Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mandibular osteodistraction for correction of deep bite class II malocclusion in a horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Verwilghen, Denis et al.
- Affiliation:
- Equine and Small Animal Clinic
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at a method called mandibular osteodistraction to fix a problem with a horse's bite, specifically a deep bite caused by a short lower jaw. The procedure was performed on a young Warmblood colt, where a special device was attached to the jaw to gradually stretch it over time. After a short waiting period, the device was adjusted daily to slowly lengthen the jaw until the bite was corrected. The treatment was successful, with no major issues, and six months later, the horse's bite remained stable. Overall, this technique can be a good option for treating serious bite problems in young horses.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for, and outcome after, mandibular osteodistraction in the horse. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Warmblood horse. METHODS: A half ring external fixator was applied on both sides of an osteotomy site performed on the mandible of a colt. A bite plate was placed on the upper incisors creating occlusion between lower and upper jaw. After a 5-day latency period, distraction was applied (1 mm/day) until the overjet was judged normal. RESULTS: Mandibular elongation and correction of brachygnathia was obtained without major complications. Six months after the procedure the overjet reduction was considered stable. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular osteodistraction can be considered for treatment of severe brachygnathia in yearlings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Distraction osteogenesis has the advantage of progressive elongation of the mandible, allowing concurrent bone remodeling and soft tissue adaptation. Severe mandibular incisor malocclusion in horses outside the maximal growth phase can be corrected using this technique.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19134108/