Assessment of Intraoral Resin Splints Secured With Cerclage Wires for Mandibular Fracture Repair in 16 Dogs

The aim of this study was to determine if an intraoral resin splint that is secured to the mandible with cerclage wires, a cerclage intraoral resin splint (CIRS), is a viable, minimally invasive option for mandibular body fracture repair in dogs. A medical record search identified 16 dogs with fractures as a result of periodontal disease, endodontic disease, head trauma, or a combination of these causes, and CIRS was performed in partially or completely edentulous areas of the mid or caudal mandibular body. At the time of appliance removal, the fracture sites of 13 dogs had healed with a bony union. Two dogs showed a fibrous union, and 1 dog revealed a nonunion. This study demonstrated that CIRS is a minimally invasive treatment option for repair of mid and caudal mandibular body fractures in dogs, even among patients with severe bone loss secondary to periodontal disease.