Iranian Journal of Veterinary Surgery

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Surgery

Surgical Approach to Mandibular Symphysis Fracture in Black-Eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita): Case Report

Document Type : Clinical Report

Authors
Pedro Martuscelli de Abreu 1
Marco Antônio Ferreira da Silva Jr 1
Gilberto Nogueira Penido Jr 2
Delcio Almeida Magalhães 3
Gabrielle Silvestre Ribeiro Calheiros de Albuquerque 1
Tifanny Noetzel 1
1 Veterinary Dentist, Sorriso Animal Veterinary Dental Center, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil.
2 Responsible for the Technical Division, Guarulhos Zoo, Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil.
3 Department of Veterinary Medicine, Anhembi Morumbi University, São Paulo, Brazil.
10.30500/ivsa.2023.351557.1310
Abstract
An adult female black-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) was found in the city of Guarulhos, Brazil, and was sent to veterinary care for clinical examination and future rehabilitation. In the physical exam, it was possible to verify mobility between the hemimandibles. The animal was submitted to the anesthetic procedure for a complete oral exam, intraoral radiography, and possible surgical intervention. The opossum was diagnosed with mandibular symphysis disjunction, needing surgery. The technique chosen was the labial locking system with buttons and cerclages. After the procedure, the animal was sent to the environmental organs for rehabilitation. After 40 days, the locking system was removed showing a complete healing of the mandibular symphysis. The animal was reintroduced to nature within 45 days of the procedure.
Keywords
Marsupials
Dentistry
Mandibular fractures
Cerclages
Wildlife dentistry

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 13 July 2022
  • Revise Date 24 July 2023
  • Accept Date 12 August 2023
  • First Publish Date 12 August 2023