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Mandibular Jaw Fracture

Jaw Fracture of a Horse

23-Year-Old Retired Warmblood Gelding

Horse was in an altercation with another horse in pasture. On presentation, we found a large open defect on lower left mandibular jaw, and three of the lower teeth appeared fractured and dislodged from their respected tooth roots.

Intra-oral radiographs confirmed a mandibular jaw fracture.

An insufficient amount of exposed tooth on the back premolars prevented us from securing the fracture with tension band wires. The horse was anesthetized and the affected teeth and bony fragments were extracted.

Treatment included daily lavaging of oral cavity, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and gastric protectants.

Current status: Horse has returned to pasture and eats normally.