A Detailed Insight Of Partial Mandibulectomy Surgery & Its Outcomes

A partial mandibulectomy is an oral surgical procedure to remove part of the lower jaw. It can involve both sides of the jaw or just one side. Up to three-quarters of the entire lower jaw can be removed.

Mandibulectomy is most often performed to treat benign or malignant tumors of the lower jaw. Sometimes, mandibulectomy is the best option for animals suffering from certain types of jaw fractures, jawbone infections, or fractures that have not healed properly. Read more on How To Treat Mandibular Fracture In Cat in this blog.

Various Conditions That May Require Surgery 

This surgery is not a typical solution. It is the last option when other treatments have failed. Here are a few diseases that may require partial mandibulectomy of the lower jaw:

• An insidious tumor lurks in your pet's lower jaw.
• Severe dental disease that makes eating a nightmare.
• A broken jaw that won't heal.

In these cases, removing part of the jaw can radically change your pet's life.

The Importance of Veterinary Consultation And Diagnosis

But how can you be sure that your pet needs this procedure? You don't need to make this decision yourself. That's what our veterinary friends are here for.
A visit to the vet is necessary if:

• Your pet has pain when eating.
• You notice an unusual growth in your pet's mouth.
• Your pet has suffered a jaw injury.

The veterinarian will examine your pet and decide on the best treatment. If necessary, they may propose partial lower jaw removal.
So, remember, this is a team effort. You observe your pet's behavior, and the vet gives you medical advice. Together, we can keep our animal friends happy and healthy.

Exploring Types Of Partial Mandibulectomy In Animals

Did you know there are different ways to perform this oral surgical procedure? Let's take a look at the two main types.

Transoral Partial Mandibulectomy Surgery 

The first step is a diastolic approach. A simple diagram follows this:

• The veterinarian performs the procedure through the animal's mouth.
• This less invasive approach means more small incisions and faster healing.
• It's ideal for treating easily accessible problems.

Thanks to this method, our pets can quickly return to active lives!

Extraoral Partial Mandibulectomy Surgery 

Next, we apply the extra-oral method. Here's what you need to know:

• The procedure is performed through an incision in the outer part of the jaw.
• This is a slightly more invasive method, but it allows the vet to understand the problem better.
• This method is used when a more thorough examination is required in complicated cases.

Mandibulectomy Recovery may take longer with this method, but it guarantees our pets the most thorough treatment.
In other words, two different paths to a single goal - helping our animal friends live happy, pain-free lives. Remember, your vet will choose the best method for your pet's needs. We're all in this together!

A Closer Look At The Process Of Partial Mandibulectomy Surgery 

Have you ever wondered what happens during an operation on an animal? Let's solve this riddle with the help of a partial mandibulectomy - a process performed on an animal's lower jaw. 

Pet owners must differentiate the exact problem. if there is any issue with the cleft then the pet will need cleft palate surgery.
Together, we'll follow the procedure step by step.

Anesthesia And Patient Positioning

Let's start with the most important thing:

• Our pets are given a particular medication to help them sleep. This is called anesthesia.
• Next, they are carefully positioned to make the problem area easily accessible.
• The surgical procedure is then detailed to facilitate the patient's access to the operated area.

Then Comes The Actual Operation:

• The veterinarian makes a clean incision to access the jawbone.
• The problematic part of the jaw is removed.
• The wound is closed with stitches, and everything is neat and tidy.

And that's it! The operation is over.

Post-Operative Care

Let's move on to Mandibulectomy recovery. Like us, pets need time to recover. So what's postoperative care?

Immediate post-operative care and monitoring

After the Surgery

• The pet is closely monitored until it wakes up and recovers.
• Vital signs such as pulse and respiration are regularly monitored.

Pain Relief And Medication

To ensure your pet's comfort, vets give medicines, 

• This eliminates post-operative ouchies.
• Other medications may prevent infection.

Home Care And Mandibulectomy Recovery Tips For Pet Owners

Here's what we do. When your pet comes home, do the following

• Give your pet plenty of rest.
• Give him the medication recommended by your vet.
• Observe any changes and contact your vet if you're worried.

After all, it's a team effort. The vet operates, we supervise it, and the pet can lead a happy, pain-free life. It's a win-win situation!

Factors Influencing Prognosis

However, the road to Mandibulectomy recovery is different for all individuals.

• Age and state of health of the animal
• The severity of the disease.
• Post-operative care.

Partial Mandibulectomy In Animals: Breaking Down Outcomes

Have you ever thought about your pet's life after a partial mandibulectomy? How does he eat? Does he look different? Let's find out together.

Functional Outcomes

When it comes to post-operative housework, the following things can happen. 

• Feeding: They might start off a bit slow. But, with a little time, they learn to manage just fine. You’ll get used to it over time. Soft foods can help!
• Play: After healing, play and fun resume! Hunt, jump, as much as you like.
• Comfort: Most animals are pain-free after treatment.

Most animals are no longer affected. 

Cosmetic Outcomes 

Will our pets be any different? See what you can expect:

• At first glance: slight changes. Jaws may be slightly shorter or asymmetrical.
• At second glance: barely noticeable. The coat hides most changes.
• At heart: as cute and fluffy as ever!

The most important thing to remember is that this surgery isn't just about appearance. It's about helping your pet live a happier, healthier life. There's nothing more beautiful than that!

Mandibulectomy Complications

The most common complications associated with partial mandibulectomy of the lower jaw in pets are:

• Incision detachment: this is the opening of the surgical incision. This can occur due to infection, poor healing, or excessive jaw movement.
• Infection: infection is a risk with any surgical procedure but is more common with mandibulectomy of the lower jaw due to the proximity of the mouth.
• Damage to salivary gland ducts: salivary ducts may be damaged during surgery, leading to salivation and irritation of the skin around the mouth.
• Subcutaneous emphysema: This is the presence of air under the skin. It can occur when a surgical incision has not been adequately closed or when there has been lung trauma.
• Instability of the lower jaw can occur when too much of the jaw is removed. This can lead to chewing and swallowing problems.
• Abnormal salivary flow may be due to damage to the salivary ducts or the nerves that control salivary flow.

Other complications may arise, such as, 

• Anemia
• Pain and discomfort
• Tongue dysfunction
• Perceptual difficulties
• Anorexia 
• Eye problems

Cost Of Partial Mandibulectomy Dog 

An elective partial mandible costs from $1,200 to $6,000, with an average cost of $2,500. Are you concerned about the cost of partial mandibulectomy Surgery treatment? Pet insurance covers the cost of treatment for many common pet ailments. 

Cost Of Partial Mandibulectomy Cat  

The cost of this procedure for your cat can vary between $1,500 and $4,000, including X-rays, laboratory tests, anesthesia, the procedure, post-operative care, and medication.