Clinical presentation, management and outcome of maxillofacial fractures in pet rabbits: 27 cases (2008-2022).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To report clinical findings, management strategies and outcomes in pet rabbits with maxillofacial fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of pet rabbits with confirmed maxillofacial fractures from three exotic animal veterinary services between 2008 and 2022 were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-five fractured maxillofacial bones were reported in 27 rabbits, including mandibular symphyseal separation in 13 rabbits. Median age was 18&#x2009;months (interquartile range, 7 to 38&#x2009;months), and median bodyweight was 1.70&#x2009;kg (interquartile range, 1.36 to 2.33&#x2009;kg). The most common aetiology was anthropogenic accidents (16/27). Hyporexia/anorexia was the most frequent presenting complaint (17/27). Common clinical findings included dental malocclusion (12/27), craniofacial pain (9/27), crepitus (9/27) and swelling (7/27). Three (3/27) rabbits were euthanised after diagnosis. Mandibular symphyseal separation in 11 of 12 treated rabbits were addressed using circummandibular cerclage wiring. All remaining fractures were conservatively managed. Twenty-three of 27 rabbits survived to hospital discharge. Median time of return to normal or near-normal eating was 1&#x2009;day (interquartile range, <1 to 3&#x2009;days). Median survival time was 859&#x2009;days (interquartile range, 567 to 1092&#x2009;days). Dental malocclusion was a reported complication in 12 of 16 rabbits with follow-up data. However, only five of 12 rabbits developed associated clinical signs requiring corrective dentistry. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Maxillofacial fracture in rabbits may present with similar clinical signs and findings to other conditions such as odontogenic disease. Successful outcomes with infrequent long-term clinical complications are associated with management strategies that emphasise early functional recovery.