This case series describes a novel technique for mandibular fracture repair in 3 client-owned dogs using absorbable polylactide plates. Early results suggest that absorbable plating systems may offer a promising alternative to titanium miniplates, particularly in small breed dogs and non-load-bearing fracture scenarios, with possible benefits including absorbable fixation, improved postoperative imaging, and reduced need for secondary surgeries. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes and expand clinical indications.
The prevalence, distribution, signalment- and operation-associated factors of dentoalveolar trauma and tooth wear in anti-poaching dogs deployed in Kruger National Park, South Africa were investigated in 72 dogs between 2021 and 2024. Signalment variables and operational role (tracking vs apprehension) were recorded. Non-parametric statistics evaluated differences between the groups of dogs each year at baseline, and associations were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation with Bonferroni adjustment. Dentoalveolar trauma was identified in 35.4% of dogs. Low mean (+/-SD) fracture counts were found (incisors 0.21 +/- 0.44; canines 0.35 +/- 0.84; fourth premolar 0.01 +/- 0.12; molars 0.04 +/- 0.20) with tooth wear being more prevalent, especially incisors (7.69 +/- 4.67). Age showed significant moderate positive correlation with molar wear (rho = 0.433, P < 0.001). Castrated males had more fourth premolar fractures and enamel defects than intact males (both p = 0.0055). Tracking dogs had substantially greater canine (rho = -0.480) and premolar wear (rho = -0.402), while apprehension dogs showed patterns consistent with higher risk of strategic tooth fractures. Dentoalveolar trauma and tooth wear were common in this population and were associated with age, sex/neuter status, and operational role. These findings support targeted dental surveillance and preventive strategies in anti-poaching working dogs.
Impactie van permanente maaltanden bij het paard wordt voornamelijk gerapporteerd ter hoogte van de mandibula, terwijl betrokkenheid van de maxilla zeldzaam is. Dit rapport beschrijft een ongewone presentatie van congenitale impactie van drie opeenvolgende maxillaire molaren bij een 4-jarige merrie. Computertomografie toonde complexe ruimtelijke verhoudingen tussen de ge & iuml;mpacteerde elementen, de sinusbodem en de aangrenzende structuren, deze werden op conventionele radiografie niet volledig onderkend en waren essentieel voor de chirurgische planning. Chirurgische extractie via een botflap van de sinus maxillaris liet gecontroleerde sectionering en aansluitende verwijdering van alle aangetaste elementen toe. Histopathologisch onderzoek van botstalen uit de sinusbodem toonde reactieve osteosclerose, wat veroorzaakt kan worden door chronische druk en/of sinusitis. Als postoperatieve complicaties ontstonden een oromaxillaire communicatie en een secundaire sinusitis na verlies van de polysiloxaanplug; deze werden behandeld door herhaardelijk debrideren en sinoscopische lavage. Op lange termijn resulteerde de behandeling in een bevredigend functioneel herstel en behoud van oraal comfort, niettegenstaande het verlies van meerdere maaltanden in de bovenkaak.
This retrospective study evaluated the potential role of autologous conditioned serum (ACS) as an adjunctive therapy to improve postextraction dental wound healing in dogs. Clinical records of 40 dogs that underwent tooth extraction were included in the analysis. Data from 20 dogs that had received ACS applied to the extraction site following suturing were compared with those from 20 dogs that received the standard treatment. Healing outcomes were assessed from follow-up notes at days 3, 7 and 14, using the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) to evaluate haemostasis, inflammation, and wound margin closure. Analysis revealed that dogs treated with ACS demonstrated significantly higher EHS compared to controls. By day 3, the ACS group showed a significant improvement in EHS compared to controls ( P = .01), with a large effect size (Hedges g = 0.87). The higher clinical scores persisted at day 7, with a significantly higher score for clinical signs of reepithelialization in the ACS group ( P = .02, Hedges g = 0.78). These differences were observed across subgroups, regardless of patient demographics or clinical presentation within the study population. The findings suggest that ACS is associated with improved EHS, including reepithelialization and haemostasis scores.
