A descriptive study of feline mandibular fractures presenting to two dental referral practices in South Africa and Canada

Abstract

Objective: Compare the aetiology and signalment of feline mandibular fracture cases from a referral centre in South Africa (OVAH) and Canada (WCVDS), and describe fracture distribution, conformation and association with teeth. Study design: Retrospective descriptive case series evaluating feline mandibular fractures on preoperative radiographic/CT studies. Results: Fifteen cats from OVAH with 35 fractured regions and 31 cats from WCVDS with 49 fractured regions were included. Demographic variables were similar. The most common fracture aetiology was unknown. The OVAH group had a higher proportion of multiple fracture cases, higher mean number of fractured regions per cat (2.3) (P=0.022), higher proportion of parasymphyseal canine (40%) (P=0.036) and mandibular condylar process fracture cases (26.7%) (P=0.016). Forty-two percent of the WCVDS group were single fracture cases with symphyseal separation. Almost all fractures in both groups were displaced. Most mandibular body fractures centred around the canine tooth, with caudo-ventral oblique fractures most common in the OVAH group. The canine tooth represented 90.9% (OVAH) and 56.2% (WCVDS) of teeth in a fracture. Of the fractures associated with teeth, type A was most common. Conclusion: Feline mandibular fracture distribution and conformation is relatively unpredictable. An important finding is the predominance of canine tooth type A fractures. Larger studies are needed to determine the statistical significance of this fracture pattern and investigate superior repair techniques.