If your dog suffers a broken jawbone, it can be very painful and scary. In this blog post, our Grayson vets discuss broken jaw injuries in dogs and how you can help your pup.
What causes broken jaws in dogs?
A dog's broken jaw or a mandibular or maxillary fracture can result from various causes. Trauma is the most common reason, which includes car accidents, falls from significant heights or getting struck by an object.
Other causes can include fights with other animals, underlying medical conditions that weaken the bones, or even accidents during play. Regardless, a dog with a broken jaw requires immediate veterinary attention.
How to Treat a Broken Jaw in Dogs
Treating a broken jaw in dogs involves several steps, starting with an examination and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to determine the extent of the fracture. Treatment options vary based on the fracture's location and severity but generally include:
- The initial step often involves stabilizing the dog's jaw to prevent further injury. This might include using a muzzle or other temporary measures.
- In many cases, surgical intervention is required to realign the bones and secure them with plates, wires, or screws. This ensures proper healing and functionality.
- Pain management and antibiotics are typically prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
How to Feed a Dog with a Broken Jaw
Feeding a dog with a broken jaw requires careful consideration to ensure adequate nutrition without causing additional pain or injury.
Offer an easily digestible diet such as canned dog food, moistened kibble, or specially formulated liquid diets. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals is important to make eating more manageable and less painful.
Pet owners can use tools like a syringe or a spoon to assist in feeding, especially if the dog struggles with eating independently.
It's also important to ensure the dog stays hydrated by offering water frequently and adding water to their food to increase fluid intake.
How to Take Care of a Dog After Jaw Surgery
Post-surgical care is crucial for a dog recovering from jaw surgery. Follow these steps to ensure proper healing:
- Limit your dog's activity to prevent accidental injury to the healing jaw. Avoid rough play and ensure your dog rests adequately.
- Watch for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or discharge around the surgical site. Report any unusual symptoms to your vet immediately.
- You should attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your veterinarian to monitor the healing process and remove any surgical hardware if necessary.
- Administer prescribed pain medications as your vet directs to keep your dog comfortable during recovery.
Prognosis for Dogs with Broken Jaws
The outlook for jaw fracture repair is usually very good, with a few exceptions. Maxillary fractures are usually stable and have an excellent prognosis. The prognosis for mandibular fractures can vary, depending on the cause of the injury. Mandibular fractures from minor trauma, such as a mild fall, generally have a great prognosis.
Older, small-breed dogs with severe periodontal disease that suffer fractures during surgical extractions may have less-than-ideal healing characteristics. Their prognosis may be poor, guarded, or fair.
The prognosis also depends on the severity of the injury. If the neurovascular blood supply is damaged, the prognosis is reduced. The cause of the trauma, impact force, duration of the injury, and bacterial contamination all play a role in your dog's outcome.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.