A Fractured Jaw

Separation of the mandibular symphysis (...the what??!)

Sometimes pets suffer trauma and the soft part between the left and right sides of the lower jaw is affected, with the two parts separated ~ OUCH! It goes without saying, of course, that this needs to be repaired.

The most common technique to repair this kind of fracture is to place a cerclage, which is a special metal wire used in orthopaedic surgery, around both the right and the left mandible to keep the two branches attached together for healing.

The wire passes through the skin of the mouth and emerges at the level of the chin. This is done under general anaesthetic and the wire will be removed after 6 weeks when healing has taken place.