Lorida O. DVM, PhD Student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Nikita G.E. DVM | Papadimitriou S. DVM, DDS, Associate Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of this study is to describe the management of mandibular fractures due to extensive alveolar bone loss caused by periodontitis, in three dogs. Pathological fractures most commonly observed in the region of the mandibular canines and first molars.
Clinical cases
Two small and one toy breed dog were brought to the Companion Animal Clinic with a history of sudden pain during chewing and inappropriate mobility of the mandible. Under general anesthesia, two dogs were diagnosed to have bilateral fracture on mesial surface of the first molar, and the third dog with a unilateral fracture distal to the canine. Teeth suffering from severe periodontitis were extracted, the necrotized bone was removed and soft tissues were sutured.
Results
One month post-surgery, wound healing was completed in all three dogs, all of them were eating normally, and no signs of pain or discomfort was observed.
Conclusions
Pathological fractures due to periodontitis occur more frequently in small or toy breed dogs, their prognosis is guarded to poor concerning the fracture healing, but extraction of the affected teeth and site sanitation leads to elimination of infection and inflammation and satisfactory functional recovery.
