Conservative Management of Unilateral Fractures of the Mandibular Rami in Horses.

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.