Partial Mandibulectomy in Dogs

Partial mandibulectomy is a procedure that involves the partial removal of the lower jaw. This procedure is most often used to treat oral cancers affecting the mandible. Partial mandibulectomy may be recommended to treat dogs who have an oral fracture. For fractures, partial mandibulectomy is typically only utilized as a last resort, or as a treatment method for fractures that do not respond to other treatments. Partial mandibulectomy should not be confused with total mandibulectomy, which is the removal of the entire lower jaw.

1. If the dog has cancer, it may require stabilization prior to surgery.
2. Once the dog is in a stable condition, it will be anesthetized.
3. The surgeon will first evaluate the portion of the mandible that requires removal, identifying and locating all tumors or fractures and outlining the portions to be excised.
4. If the dog requires partial mandibulectomy for an oral fracture, the surgeon will take x-rays prior to surgery.
5. The surgeon may need to remove one or two teeth in order to gain full access to the portion of the mandible that requires removal.
6. The skin surrounding the jaw will be clipped before the mouth is rinsed with an antiseptic solution.
7. The dog may be intubated, and gauze sponges will be placed to absorb intraoperative bleeding.
8. The surgeon may choose to inject local anesthetic into the oral cavity.
9. Two incisions will be made into the gum tissue in order to remove it and gain access to the bone.
10. The affected portion of bone will be removed as quickly as possible. The edges of the mandible will be smoothed to prevent discomfort.
11. The surgeon will then ensure all tumors have been removed before suturing the wound closed with absorbable sutures in three to four layers.
12. The dog will be hospitalized and monitored, and will not be allowed to eat for the remainder of the day.

Partial mandibulectomy is generally considered an excellent treatment method for dogs suffering from conditions that require this form of treatment. The procedure relieves the dog’s pain and many owners report that their dogs feel and act better following treatment. Partial mandibulectomy can be curative for benign tumors. The procedure can increase the duration and quality of life for dogs suffering from aggressive malignant cancers. However, it should be noted that certain malignant cancers, particularly melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can recur even with surgery.

Dogs will typically recover from partial mandibulectomy within three days and will need to wear an Elizabethan collar to avoid irritating the surgery site. If severe infection has occurred, antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed postoperatively. Injectable analgesics are prescribed in most cases to manage postoperative pain for the first few days. Oral analgesics will replace injectable analgesics once the dog has adjusted. Following surgery, the owner may need to feed their dog soft food by hand. Dogs may not be allowed to eat hard food or chew hard objects for up to a month after treatment. 

Dogs may struggle to eat food, drink water, and position their tongue normally for the first few days following surgery. However, dogs usually adjust very quickly. Owners may notice a clicking sound when the dog eats or excessive drooling. This is normal. The veterinarian will schedule a follow-up appointment within ten to fourteen days following surgery. During this appointment, the veterinarian will take x-rays or biopsy to monitor healing and ensure the condition has not recurred.

The cost of partial mandibulectomy will vary depending on additional costs incurred, including screenings, medications, and supportive care. The cost of partial mandibulectomy ranges from $1,200 to $6,000, with an average cost of $2,500.

Though it typically has a very high success rate, two complications are possible following partial mandibulectomy. One is the development of palatal occlusal trauma in the soft tissue of the mouth. This condition will typically resolve on its own and is not considered serious. However, if it continues to affect a dog’s ability to eat or function normally, owners should consult their trusted veterinarian immediately. The other potential complication is wound rupture.

It is often difficult to prevent oral cancers because they are typically a spontaneous occurrence. Owners should not allow their dogs to engage in activities that may result in oral fracture.