Maxillofacial trauma in cats often results in mandibular symphyseal separation in addition to injuries of the caudal mandible and/or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Caudal mandibular and TMJ injuries are difficult to access and stabilize using direct fixation techniques, thus indirect fixation is commonly employed. The immediate goals of fixation include stabilization for return to normal occlusion and function with the long-term objective of bony union. Indirect fixation techniques commonly used for stabilization of caudal mandibular and temporomandibular joint fracture/luxation include maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with acrylic composite, interarcade wiring, tape muzzles, and the bignathic encircling and retaining device (BEARD) technique. This article introduces a modification of the previously described "labial reverse suture through buttons" technique used by Koestlin et al and the "labial locking with buttons" technique by Rocha et al. In cases with minimally displaced subcondylar and pericondylar fractures without joint involvement, the labial button technique can provide sufficient stabilization for healing. Advantages of the modified labial button technique include ease of application, noninvasive nature, and use of readily available materials. The construct can remain in place for a variable of amount of time, depending on its intended purpose. It serves as an alternative to the tape muzzle, which is rarely tolerated by cats. This technique can be easily used in conjunction with other maxillomandibular repairs, such as cerclage wire fixation of mandibular symphyseal separation. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a modified labial button technique for maintaining occlusion of feline caudal mandibular fractures/TMJ luxations in a step-by-step fashion.

OBJECTIVE To compare improvements in values for periodontal disease indices in dogs following treatment with closed root planing (CRP) alone, CRP with concurrent 8.5% doxycycline hyclate gel application, and CRP with concurrent 2% clindamycin hydrochloride reverse-polymer hydrogel application. DESIGN Randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS 34 client-owned dogs with periodontal pockets measuring 3.5 to 5.5 mm deep. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 treatments: CRP alone (n = 10) or CRP plus 8.5% doxycycline hyclate (12) or 2% clindamycin hydrochloride (12) gel applied within the periodontal pockets. Indices of periodontal disease severity were recorded before and 12 weeks after treatment, and outcomes were compared among treatment groups. RESULTS Except for gingivitis index, no significant differences were identified among the 3 treatment groups in the amount of improvement observed in values for periodontal disease indices following treatment. A minor but clinically unimportant improvement in mean gingivitis index values was identified for dogs treated with CRP plus doxycycline gel, which differed significantly from improvements in the other 2 groups. Teeth that were initially more severely affected (pocket depths, 5.0 to 5.5 mm) had the greatest amount of improvement, whereas teeth with only mildly high initial pocket depths (3.5 to 4.0 mm) had less improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Overall, addition of doxycycline or clindamycin gel application to CRP for the treatment of periodontal disease in dogs yielded no clinically relevant benefit over CRP during the 12-week follow-up period.

In a dog with renal dysplasia and secondary hyperparathyroidism, loose teeth resulted from excessive resorption of alveolar bone. Sharpey's fibers, still anchored in the cementum, were lost in the replacing fibrous tissue and few fibers found their way to distant bone fragments. The alveolar bone is the site of predilection for the excessive, generalized resorption of bone in hyperparathyroidism. Clinical radiographic examination of the jaws is a valuable tool in the detection of the disease.

Fractured maxillary fourth premolar teeth are commonly diagnosed in canine patients. These fractures are subdivided into uncomplicated and complicated, depending on absence or presence of pulp exposure, respectively. Pulp injury associated with fractures can lead to pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and “lesions of endodontic origin” (LEO) on intraoral radiographs. The incidence of LEO associated with uncomplicated crown fractures (UCFs) of the maxillary fourth premolar in canine patients is currently unknown. We hypothesized that a significant number of UCFs of the maxillary fourth premolar would have LEO evident on intraoral radiographs. The purpose of this article was to identify this incidence and to illustrate the importance of radiographing these teeth. This was a retrospective study of 111 UCFs and 500 nonfractured (control) maxillary fourth premolars in domestic canine patients. The frequency of LEO was 24.3% (27/111) in the UCF population and 0% (0/500) in the control population ( P < .0001). These findings are important because UCFs are sometimes ignored or considered insignificant, when in fact a large proportion of them have LEO, indicating periapical pathology. These results suggest that all UCFs be radiographed, even if there are no other abnormalities noted on clinical oral examination.

No abstract