34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction- The most common indication for rostral mandibulectomy is tumours of the rostral mandible, ossifying fibroma (OF) being the most prevalent. Mandibular fractures are among the most common fractures in the horse. Rostral mandibulectomy has been mentioned as a treatment option for infected, comminuted mandibular fractures, but to the best of the author’s knowledge has not been reported. The presented retrospective case series, aims to describe clinical details, treatment and outcome of six cases elected for rostral mandibulectomy.
Materials and Methods- Medical records of horses presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, between 2011 and 2018 and underwent rostral mandibulectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Three cases presented with comminuted fractures, and three with rostral mandibular masses. Follow-up was obtained by phone questioner.
Results- Owners were satisfied in five out of six cases. Case five was lost to follow-up. Follow-up of cases 2, 3, 4 and 6, revealed good cosmetic results with excellent owner satisfaction.
Discussion- Rostral mandibulectomy has been reported mostly as a treatment for rostral mandible tumours, and usually carry good prognosis. Trauma has been previously hypothesized to contribute in OF formation. All herein presented cases with OF had previous trauma. Complicated fractures in other species, but not horses, were previously an indication for rostral mandibulectomy. In our study comminuted fractures were the indication in three horses. It is the first report of performing rostral mandibulectomy as a treatment for complicated rostral mandibular fractures with satisfying results. Thus, it may be considered as a valid surgical option in the future.