Long-term results of bovine mandibular fractures involving the molar teeth

Objective-To evaluate postoperative complications and long-term outcome of simple mandibular fractures involving the molar teeth in cattle. Animal Population-Seventeen cattle with mandibular fractures involving the molar teeth with disruption of the occlusal surface. Methods-Treatment consisted of application of AO/ASIF-Pinless External Fixa tors (Synthes, Paoli, PA) in 14 cows, interdental wire stabilization in 1 c ow, and conservative treatment in 2 cows. Long-term outcome was determined by telephone contact with the owners, and whenever possible, cows were reev aluated by physical, intraoral, and radiographic examination of the fractur e site. Results-Loosening of the fixation device (4 cattle) and bone sequestration (11 cattle) were the most commonly encountered complications. Oral incontin ence during rumination was a minor complication in 1 cow. The mean (+/- SD) time the cattle were in production was 26 (+/- 14) months, with 10 cows st ill alive at follow-up examination; 9 cows were reevaluated. On intraoral e xamination there was a step in the occlusal surface at the level of the hea led fracture site in 3 cows, wave and shear mouth formation in 3 cows, and enamel point formation in 1 cow. Radiographically, all the reevaluated frac tures had healed, and there were no signs of tooth root infection. Conclusions-Complications during healing were bone sequestration and loosen ing of the fixator. None of the cows was removed from production because of fracture-associated complications, but decreased milk yield occurred in 2 cows. Tooth abnormalities developed in 6 cows, but function of the mandible was not altered. Clinical Relevance-Mandible fractures involving the molar teeth carry a goo d prognosis for return to normal function. Radiographic follow-up is necess ary to detect bone sequestration. (C) Copyright 2000 by The American Colleg e of Veterinary Surgeons.