Similar to other broken bones, jaw fractures can occur unexpectedly, often as a result of an accident or trauma. In this post, our Portland vets discuss how a dog's broken jaw can be treated through surgery to repair the damage.
What causes broken jaws in dogs?
Dogs may sustain a mandibular fracture, commonly known as a broken jaw, through trauma or periodontal disease. Traumatic incidents, such as being hit by a car or engaging in a fight with another dog, can lead to broken jaws in dogs.
Even innocuous activities like chewing on a toy or biting down on food can lead to jawbone fractures due to the weakened strength caused by periodontal disease.
If your dog experiences vehicular trauma or a dogfight, prompt checking for other potential injuries is crucial. If your dog experiences a fracture, it is important to take it to the vet or seek emergency care promptly. The fracture should be addressed once your dog has been stabilized.
How to treat broken jaw in dogs?
When your dog experiences a jaw fracture, our primary goal during surgery is to promptly relieve discomfort and ensure that your dog can eat and rest comfortably.
Improper healing of the upper or lower jaw can result in problems with teeth alignment. Preventing harm to the nerves and blood vessels in the jaw is crucial. By treating the broken jaw, we can help your dog feel better and regain the function of their mouth.
How to feed a dog with a broken jaw?
Feeding a dog with a broken jaw requires adjustments to ensure their comfort and proper nutrition. We recommend soft or liquid-based food, such as wet canned food or a specially formulated soft diet. Blending or pureeing the food may be necessary to make it easier for the dog to eat.
Some dogs may not eat independently after veterinary surgery for jaw repair. These dogs will need a syringe or feeding tube to provide meals.
What are the treatment options for a dog with a broken jaw?
In many instances of dogs experiencing a broken jaw, a vet may recommend treatment with surgery. In these cases, surgeons frequently use metal plates, screws, and wires. However, less severe fractures can be treated with acrylic splints, providing a simpler procedure without requiring complex surgery. Proper alignment of the teeth is the primary goal.
After placing the splint, your pet must avoid chewing on hard objects for a few weeks. Furthermore, it is recommended that you provide them with soft food until the vet authorizes a transition back to a hard food diet. You can remove the splint once the fracture has completely healed. Another anesthetized procedure may be required to remove the wire or splint if necessary.
What to Expect After Treating a Dog's Broken Jaw
Although a few exceptions exist, repairing jaw fractures is usually highly effective. Maxillary fractures typically exhibit stability and yield favorable outcomes. However, the prognosis for mandibular fractures can be more uncertain, depending on the cause of the injury.
If a simple fall or accident caused a broken jaw, the prognosis is likely to be good. However, older dogs with small size and dental issues may have a more challenging recovery if they experience a jaw break during surgery. Recovery depends on the severity of the injury, any damage to the blood supply, and the presence of bacterial infection.
How should you take care of your dog after jaw surgery?
After repairing the broken bone, your vet will give you home care instructions for your dog. Make sure to confine your dog and use a leash to prevent any activities that could cause more harm.
Furthermore, feeding your dog a soft diet or paste food may be beneficial to reduce the pressure exerted on the healing bone. At first, your dog may need a feeding tube, which can be daunting. However, dogs usually adjust quickly and handle it well.
Don't fret too much about this part of the recovery process. Your vet will provide complete instructions for using and caring for your dog's feeding tube.
Are there any potential complications for dogs with jaw surgery?
All surgical procedures involve some level of risk. You can help minimize these risks by following your vet's pre-and post-operative care recommendations.
One of the most common complications that can be easily avoided is infection. While the likelihood of this occurring is reduced with proper care and medication during recovery, it's important to be aware of the signs, such as redness, swelling, and more. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with your vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.