## Overview Mandibular fractures are breaks of the lower jaw, most often in the rostral (incisor) region. They result from kicks, falls, or the horse catching the jaw on an object. Signs include swelling, inability to close the mouth normally, malocclusion, drooling, and pain. Some fractures are open into the mouth. ## Causes Direct trauma. Young horses playing with objects and then being startled are commonly affected. Dental extraction complications can also occur. ## Diagnosis Oral examination and radiographs of the mandible. ## Treatment Many rostral fractures are stabilized with wire fixation between the teeth or conservative management if stable. More caudal fractures may need plates or pins. Antibiotics and soft feed are standard. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for most rostral fractures. Fractures involving the angle of the mandible or temporomandibular joint have a more guarded outlook. ## Prevention Safe environments and supervision of young horses around objects they might grab.
swelling of the lower jaw; inability to close the mouth properly; malocclusion; drooling; pain on palpation; possible open fracture into the mouth
## Overview Mandibular fractures are breaks of the lower jaw, most often in the rostral (incisor) region. They result from kicks, falls, or the horse catching the jaw on an object. Signs include swelling, inability to close the mouth normally, malocclusion, drooling, and pain. Some fractures are open into the mouth. ## Causes Direct trauma. Young horses playing with objects and then being startled are commonly affected. Dental extraction complications can also occur. ## Diagnosis Oral examination and radiographs of the mandible. ## Treatment Many rostral fractures are stabilized with wire fixation between the teeth or conservative management if stable. More caudal fractures may need plates or pins. Antibiotics and soft feed are standard. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for most rostral fractures. Fractures involving the angle of the mandible or temporomandibular joint have a more guarded outlook. ## Prevention Safe environments and supervision of young horses around objects they might grab.
swelling of the lower jaw; inability to close the mouth properly; malocclusion; drooling; pain on palpation; possible open fracture into the mouth