Cosmetic reconstruction of extensive maxillary defects with cerclage wire alone or in combination with polypropylene mesh in 25 dogs (2017-2023).

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the use of cerclage wires with or without polypropylene mesh for the reconstruction of maxillectomies with or without concurrent orbitectomy and report the surgical outcomes.

Materials and methods: Dogs presented for resection of a maxillary/orbital neoplasia and reconstruction were retrospectively enrolled. Data retrieved from medical records included signalment, tumour site and size, type of maxillectomy and reconstruction, results of histological examination, surgical time and surgical complications.

Results: Twenty-five dogs were included. Central-caudal, caudal and rostral maxillectomies were performed in 11, 9 and 5 dogs, respectively. Eight dogs (32%) received a ventral orbitectomy concurrently. Mean surgical time was 70 minutes. No intraoperative complications occurred. Minor early (<48 hours) postoperative complications occurred in 22 dogs (88%) and were oedema of the muzzle (n = 21), rhinorrhagia (n = 11) and pain causing difficulty in eating (n = 2). Five dogs (20%) had minor late postoperative (>48 hours) complications: partial intraoral dehiscence at 10 days that healed by second intention (n = 2), reverse sneezing (n = 2) and antibiotic-respondent infection (n = 1). Five dogs (20%) developed oronasal fistula as a major late postoperative complication. All the dogs were able to eat autonomously 48 hours after surgery; visual function was normal and appearance was restored.

Clinical significance: The technique that we report relies on readily available, cost-effective materials and can be successfully used for customised reconstruction of maxillary defects in dogs. Rate of complications should be compared to the standard reconstructive technique to determine if the use of maxillary implants results in higher risk of complications.