Standing oral surgery for the management of mandible and maxilla fractures in horses: a case series of 15 horses

Abstract

Fractures of the mandible and maxilla are common in horses. The present study was conducted on fifteen horses referred for the management of mandible or maxilla fractures. Fixation methods were used to repair the fractures in these horses, including tension band and cerclage wires, dynamic compression plates, and lag screw fixation. All procedures were performed under chemical restraint and regional nerve block anesthesia in the standing position. According to the results, the long term follow-up of the horses was satisfactory, and no severe complications were observed. Jaw fractures are most successfully treated by early diagnosis and fracture fixation. The surgical management of most oral region injuries may be readily performed in the standing position, to avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia in horses.