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Broken Jaws in Dogs: Causes & Treatments

Dogs can experience significant fear and pain when they suffer a jawbone fracture. In today's post, our veterinarians in Perry explain the causes of this injury, how it's treated, and what you'll need to do to care for a dog with a broken jaw.

Causes of a Broken Jaw in Dogs 

Periodontal disease or trauma (sustained in a car accident or during a fight with another dog) can cause a broken jaw (also referred to as a mandibular fracture) in dogs. 

Even what we might think of as innocuous activities like biting down on hard food or chewing on a toy can lead to jawbone fractures due to a weakened jawbone caused by periodontal disease. 

If your dog experiences vehicular trauma or has been in a fight with another dog, it's important to check for other potential injuries right away. If a fracture has occurred, taking your dog to the vet as soon as possible or seeking emergency veterinary care as soon as possible will be critical to diagnosing and treating the injury.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help support your dog's recovery and reduce the risk of complications from its broken jaw. Once your dog has been stabilized, the fracture can be addressed. 

The Goal of Repairing a Jaw Fracture 

When your dog experiences a jaw fracture, your vet's main goal during surgery will be to promptly relieve any discomfort and ensure that your dog can eat and rest comfortably. If the upper or lower jaw heals incorrectly, this can lead to problems with teeth alignment. Preventing harm to the blood vessels and nerves in the jaw is critical. 

We aim to mend the fracture and help your dog fully recover. 

How to Feed a Dog With a Broken Jaw 

You'll need to make some adjustments to your feeding routine to ensure your dog is comfortable and receives proper nutrition until the fracture heals. We recommend liquid-based or soft foods like wet canned food or a specially designed soft diet. The food may need to be pureed or blended to make it easier for your dog to eat. 

In severe cases where the dog is unable to eat on its own, you may need to use a feeding tube or syringe. 

Treating Jaw Fractures in Dogs

If your pet's jaw is broken, dental surgery may be needed to fix it. In these cases, surgeons frequently use metal plates, screws, and wires. However, less severe fractures can be treated with acrylic splints, which provide a simpler procedure without the requirement for complex surgery. Proper alignment of the teeth is the main goal.

After the splint is applied, your pet should avoid chewing on hard objects for a few weeks. Furthermore, it is advised to feed them soft food until the veterinarian approves a return to a hard food diet. Once the fracture is completely healed, you can remove the splint. If the wire or splint needs to be removed, another anesthetic procedure may be required.

The Prognosis for a Jaw Fracture Repair

In most cases, repairing jaw fractures is highly effective, although there are a few exceptions. 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.

When it results from a minor fall, the prognosis is usually favorable. However, older dogs with small sizes and dental issues may have a more difficult recovery if their jaw fractures during surgery. Recovery is determined by the severity of the injury, any damage to the blood supply, and the presence of a bacterial infection.

Caring for 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 potentially cause more harm.

Furthermore, feeding your dog a soft diet or paste food may help relieve the pressure on the healing bone. At first, your dog may require a feeding tube, which can be daunting. However, dogs typically adjust quickly and handle it well.

Your vet will give you detailed instructions on how to use and take care of the feeding tube.

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.

Has your dog suffered an injury after a fall, or had a serious accident? Contact Westmoreland & Slappey Animal Hospital right away. Our dedicated team can provide emergency care during our regular clinic hours.

New Patients Welcome

Looking for quality veterinary care in a warm and friendly atmosphere? Westmoreland & Slappey Animal Hospital in Perry, GA is accepting new patients! Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.

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