FRACTURE REDUCTION IN EQUINE MANDIBLE AND MAXILLA: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Accidents with horses causing fractures of the maxilla and mandible secondary to external trauma are not uncommon, this being the most commonly fractured bone when the trauma is in the head region. In most cases, they are open and damage adjacent soft tissues. As the bones of the head are not subjected to the load-bearing forces of the bearing, the requirement for fracture fixation is less challenging. The present work describes the surgical treatment of rostral fractures in a mare belonging to the Regiment of Mounted Police of Rio de Janeiro. The patient had a rostral fracture of the maxilla and mandible, with loss of practically all the incisor teeth of the mandible. The remaining teeth were extracted and the labial mucosa sutured. The animal achieved consolidation of the fractures one month after surgery, which allowed for an improvement in the quality of life.