Complications of Mandibular Brachygnathism in a North African Leopard

Abstract

A 9-year-old, male North African leopard (Panhtera pardus) presented with mandibular brachygnathism and lingually displaced mandibular canine teeth causing a large left oronasal fistula, rhinitis and nasal discharge, and a right orocutaneous fistula. Surgical closure of the left oronasal defect, bilateral mandibular canine tooth crown reduction, and root canal therapy resulted in a positive clinical outcome. A small recurrent left oronasal fistula and the right orocutaneous fistula healed spontaneously after alleviating the occlusal contact with the mandibular canine teeth. At 12-months postoperatively, clinical signs of oral and dental disease had resolved.