Objective: To report the outcome of conservative management of unilateral fractures of the mandibular rami in horses.
Study design: Retrospective case series.
Animals: 24 client-owned horses with unilateral mandibular fractures METHODS: Medical records (January 2000-January 2014) of horses with unilateral mandibular ramus fractures were retrieved. Only conservatively managed horses with follow-up information were included. Follow-up information on clinical outcome was retrieved from the medical records (n=11) or obtained by telephone interviews with the owners or trainers (n=13).
Results: Twenty-three horses (96%) returned to their previous or intended use and had no clinically evident masticatory or fracture healing-related problems at the time of follow-up. The owner of 1 horse (4%) reported it had tooth loosening, feed impaction, and masticatory problems.
Conclusion: Conservative management of unilateral fractures of the mandibular rami is a treatment option in horses.
© Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.