What is Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw?
Your dog’s jaw has a mandible (lower jaw) and a maxilla (upper jaw) which can be fractured in an accident or other trauma. In contrast, there are some infections and other illnesses that can cause the bones in that area to weaken, leaving your dog susceptible to mandible or maxilla fractures. Some of these are periodontitis (gum disease), tumor, cyst, or a metabolic disease or disorder (i.e. hypocalcemia). The risk of a secondary infection is great, so it is very important to bring your dog to see the veterinarian no matter how mild the damage seems to be because there could be more damage inside that you cannot see. The vet will check your dog for other injuries that may not be easily visible, as the force to cause a jaw fracture is great so co-morbidities are common.
Fractures of the upper jaw and lower jaw (fracture of the mandible or maxilla) are commonly caused by trauma, such as being hit by a vehicle or a fall from a height. Fractures can also be a complication during dental treatment or from a disease or infection. Many mandibular fractures are open fractures (broken skin) and are at risk for infection, so it is essential to start antibiotics right away. Without immediate treatment, the infection can cause serious illness and may even be fatal.
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Symptoms of Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw in Dogs
- Pain in the jaw area
- Swelling in the facial area
- Drooling
- Whining
- Depression
- Scratching or rubbing at jaw
- Anxiety
- Broken teeth
- Mouth bleeding
- Blood in the nasal passages
- Unable to open and/or close the mouth
- Inability to eat
- Visible injury to face
Types
- Open fractures refer to a fracture that includes bones or teeth that have broken through the skin
- Closed fractures are any fracture that does not break the skin
- Simple fracture refers to a single and clean break that is easy to line up and secure
- Comminuted fracture is when the bone is shattered, crushed, or broken into more than three parts
Causes of Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw in Dogs
- Accident or trauma (i.e. hit by vehicle, animal abuse, fall from a great height)
- Animal bite
- Periodontitis
- Tumor
- Cyst
- Metabolic disease or disorder
Diagnosis of Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw in Dogs
Your veterinarian will first want to know your dog’s medical history and the details of the accident or trauma (if applicable). He will also need to know when the symptoms started, whether they have gotten worse, and whether your dog’s behavior has changed. The veterinarian will do a thorough physical examination, checking for other injuries and being sure to get your dog’s body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. He will need to run some tests to determine the extent of the damage and the possible cause if not known. These tests will include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood chemistry panel
- Blood clotting test
- Urinalysis
- Glucose test (blood sugar level)
- Bacterial and/or fungal culture if an infection is present
- Digital radiographs (x-rays) of the jaw while your dog is sedated
- Digital radiographs (x-rays) of the head, neck, and abdomen
Depending on the results of these tests, your veterinarian may need to run some more tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or biopsy (if a tumor is discovered). In some instances, there may be the need for a referral to a canine dental professional.
Treatment of Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw in Dogs
Your veterinarian’s main goal is to repair your dog’s jaw to normal while keeping the natural alignment so eating and chewing are restored. The best choice of treatment for a simple closed mandible or maxilla fracture are intra oral splints with a wire base and reinforced with acrylic or composite material to hold the jaw in place while it heals. The splint can be bonded to the tooth crowns of the teeth on both sides of the fracture. This type of splinting is best because it gives a good stable base on the tension side of the break, which is the best place to create a proper alignment during healing. Healing should take about six to eight weeks as long as the jaw can be set at the proper bite position the first time. Your dog may also need a feeding tube to help him eat while the jaw fracture is healing.
If your dog has an open or comminuted fracture, surgery is usually necessary to repair or replace the shattered bones. Depending on the extent of the injury, the surgery is almost always successful and healing time is about the same as with the splinted repair. If the fracture is caused by an underlying disease or disorder, the treatment and recovery can vary greatly, depending on the condition and severity.
Periodontitis
Gum disease requires dental treatment by a canine dental professional that usually includes a thorough cleaning and scaling of the teeth as well as removal of any damaged or infected teeth.
Tumor
A tumor will have to be removed and biopsied to determine if it is cancerous. If cancer is present, radiation treatments and chemotherapy will most often be necessary. The treatment will vary depending on the extent of the cancer.
Cysts
A cyst may or may not need to be removed, depending on whether the veterinarian thinks it may cause more damage to the jaw and surrounding tissues.
Metabolic Disease or Disorder
A metabolic disease or disorder, such as hypocalcemia, will need to be treated after the fracture has been taken care of. The treatments are varied depending on the type and extent of the disease or disorder.
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Recovery of Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw in Dogs
The recovery outlook for a mandible or maxilla fracture is very good depending on the cause and severity of the fracture. If the veterinarian is able to align the jaw, setting the fracture is usually a routine procedure that is highly successful. If your dog has an underlying disease or infection, the recovery depends on how bad it is and whether it can be treated or not. The most significant thing you can do for your dog is to follow the veterinarian’s instructions and be sure to go to any follow-up appointments even if your dog is better and you do not think it is necessary. It is always important to follow up.
Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw Average Cost
From 58 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pit Bull
5 weeks
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fall
5 week old puppy fell from bed onto concrete floor. He held his jaw open for about 30 seconds before closing it. He wouldn’t open it for a few minutes but now he’s acting normal. Should I be worried?
Oct. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If he is able to close and open his jaw normally now and can eat and drink, there may be nothing to worry about. I would be a little concerned about long-term damage, however, and it may be a good idea to have your veterinarian examine him when you take him for his preventive care vaccine appointment. They will be able to assess his mouth and teeth and jaw and see if there may be any problems. I hope that all goes well for him.
Oct. 5, 2020
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Chihuahua
Ten Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Teeth Shaking, Moving Tongue Back
My dog ate a chicken bone and it seemed like she was trying to get something that was stuck in her teeth but when she opens her mouth her teeth shake and she moves her tongue very weird when I try to open her mouth
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. From your description, it sounds like there may be something stuck in her teeth or her mouth, and things like that can cause trauma and infection. Without being able to see her, I can't say for sure what might be happening, but I think the best thing to do would be to have her seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to examine her, give her sedation if needed to check her mouth, and see what's going on in there. I hope that all goes well for her.
Sept. 28, 2020
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German Shepard Retriever mix
Fourteen Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Nose,
My pup ran full speed into a sliding glass door, no blood and didn’t loose consciousness, but today is a bit swollen. He can still bite down and wants to play, and chew on his toys and bones. Though I’m not letting him. What are the chances of a fracture.
July 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
There are a lot of tiny bones in dogs noses, and it is possible that there was an injury. I think, though, if he is doing well and eating and drinking, that they may heal normally and that things will be okay. If you notice any bleeding, sneezing, or discharge, or if he seems painful over the next couple of days, then it would probably be best to have him examined by your veterinarian, but otherwise I think he should be okay. I hope all goes well for him.
July 26, 2020
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daschund
Ten Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Wont Eat Wont Drink Wint Open Mouth
he was chewing on concrete now he wont open his mouth. He is just wants to sleep. He is not whining in pain but he wont let me open his mouth.
July 13, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
2 Recommendations
I am concerned that your dog may have fractured a tooth or potentially injured/lacerated a portion of the gum tissue or tongue in his mouth. Dachshund’s are very predisposed to dental disease so the concrete could’ve easily fractured one of his teeth. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian so they can evaluate his mouth, and they will let you know if he needs a dental prophylaxis.
July 13, 2020
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Silky Terrier
Poppins
10 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My 10 year old Silkie, 14lb was attacked by my 90lb Labradoodle over a bit of food. As a result his jaw was broken. The emergency vet said it was a clean break and it should heal well with a bandage type muzzle that he has to wear for several weeks. It allows him to lap and pant. He was also given liquid antibiotic, anti inflammatory med and pain med. However he won’t eat or drink. I took him back to the emergency center and they gave him a pain shot. Last night he drank some water. Today he will not eat or drink again. He won’t let us come near his mouth with a syringe or even ice cream on my finger. He runs away immediately. We tried to hold him but he wiggled down getting out of the bandage muzzle, the plastic collar and even his harness and ran away screaming. I am concerned about dehydration and that he is not getting his prescribed meds. They told me to keep trying and he will eat when he gets hungry??? I asked them if they could give him an antibiotic and anti inflammatory injection. They said that antibiotic would not cover the bacteria they are trying to kill. What can I do?
July 14, 2018
3 Recommendations
Fluids are more vital than food (which are also important) and if Poppins isn’t drinking at all you should speak with your Veterinarian about fluid administration at home which may help to reduce stress whilst trying to keep hydration up. As for food, this is more difficult as Poppins will start to eat food eventually when hungry but may take some time until eating regularly. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 15, 2018
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Chihuahua
Kash
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Seizures
Tooth Out
Tounge Out
So my chihuahua just broke his lower jaw, now since all this corona virus stuff is happening we cant take him to the vet. My german Sheppard bit him, after being territorial. And it happened at night so I dont have the full story, but hes in deep pain, and hes been having mini seizures and I'm very concerned, anyone have any advice I dont want this to be a long term thing , and I cannot afford a surgery so, can anyone or a vet please tell me what to do :((
Pomapoo
Poppy
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dislocated Jaw
My poodle mix attacked my American Bully over some food and the Bully snapped back. I took my poodle to the emergency vet and it was determined that her jaw was dislocated. Upon taking X-rays, the vet could not see a break in the jaw at all, but can not get the jaw to go back in place. They have wrapper her jaw to keep it in place, given her fluids, and pain meds and told me to follow up in the morning. Has anyone has experience with this? Why isn’t her jaw going back into place if it isn’t broken?
Fractures of Upper and Lower Jaw Average Cost
From 58 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $6,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
