Surgical stabilization of a mandibular fracture in a pet African goose (Anser anser domesticus) with bilateral mandibular fractures

Abstract

A 7-month-old, 3.8 kg, female intact African goose (Anser anser domesticus), was presented on emergency after being struck by a metal chair during a strong gust of wind. Physical examination revealed ventral displacement of rostral portion of the mandible. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan confirmed complete, comminuted, bilateral fractures on the rostral portion of the mandibular body. Surgical intervention involved applying external fixation using self-threading Thread Mate System (TMS) pins, orthodontic chains, and dental acrylics to stabilize the right mandible. Indirect reduction and inherent stability were achieved on the left side. An esophagostomy tube was placed to prevent manipulation of the bill during feeding and medication administration in the post operative period. The goose prematurely removed the esophagostomy tube and dental acrylics 10 days after surgery. At the two week post-operative recheck, the bill was stable on palpation and the goose was using it for eating and drinking without complications. At follow-up examination one month after surgery, the goose continued to clinically do well, but all fixations had been self-removed. A repeat CBCT scan revealed bony callus formation of the left fracture site and fibrous callus with incomplete osseous bridging of the right fracture site consistent with delayed union. At 8 months post-operatively, the goose was clinically normal without functional impairment to the bill.