--- title: Rostral Mandibulectomy - Genetic disorder description: Mandible removal aids comfort, recovery, and cosmetics. Dogs thrive after surgery, whether for fractures, tumors, or genetic issues. image: https://tooth.vet/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/Before%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20Before%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/august-2023-rostral-mandibulectomy-3yo-french-bulldog#main-content) [![Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20(Animal%20Dentistry)/Animal_Dentistry__logo-removebg.png?width=1280&height=720&name=Animal_Dentistry__logo-removebg.png "Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent")](https://tooth.vet/) [![Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20(Animal%20Dentistry)/Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent.png?width=1280&height=720&name=Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent.png "Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent")](https://tooth.vet/) - [Home](https://tooth.vet) - [About Us](https://tooth.vet/about-us) - 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Genetic disorder [![Picture of Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/hubfs/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20CV,%20Bio,%20Headshot/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png) Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/author/mathis) : Sep 7, 2023 9:18:12 AM [veterinary dentistry](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-dentistry) [surgical mandible removal](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-mandible-removal) [rostral mandibulectomy](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/rostral-mandibulectomy) [veterinary surgery](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-surgery) [mandible removal](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/mandible-removal) [Dental Health Management](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/dental-health-management) [surgical techniques](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-techniques) ![Rostral Mandibulectomy - Genetic disorder](https://tooth.vet/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/Before%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20Before%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg) ##### **Case Summary:** Removing or shortening the mandibles can be helpful. Most patients are more comfortable and can have a relatively cosmetic outcome. As late as the 2-week recovery period, most dogs act as if nothing happened and are doing well having shortened mandibles. Sometimes the mandibles are removed due to fractures that cannot be repaired. Other times they are removed due to an oral tumor. This case was a genetic condition that necessitated this treatment. ##### **Patient Information:** Georgia is a 3 yr old French Bulldog with a genetic disorder preventing the mouth from opening properly. At another facility, the mandibles were previously cut to allow for some movement, but fibrous union of the site did not occur. The weight of the front of the mandibles and trauma that happened as she shook her head required removal of the mandibles. While the reason for this procedure was unusual, this is a needed surgery for some oral tumor cases and some jaw fractures caused by untreated dental disease. Georgia also has hydrocephalus and an anesthesiologist was requested by the owner to be on site to aid in the procedure. Anesthesia proceeded very smoothly and Georgia woke uneventfully. ##### Dental Exam Findings: Painful internal tooth resorption was noted and Georgia was accidentally swinging her jaw against the upper teeth and household objects causing additional pain. ##### Advanced Imaging: (Hover over any image to read caption) - ![Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_01](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_01.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_01.jpg) Before treatment 3D reconstruction right side - ![Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_02](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_02.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_02.jpg) Before treatment 3D reconstruction left side - ![Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_03](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_03.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Rostral_MNectomy_Aug_2023_CT_03.jpg) 3D reconstruction view from below ##### Treatment Plan: The upper teeth luckily required only cleaning, while the remaining lower mandibles were removed surgically as a subtotal mandibulectomy. The salivary ducts were preserved. The tongue hung out before any surgery was performed, and just hung further after the procedure. The chin was cosmetically aligned to create a rim to aid in saliva retention and provide a cosmetic outcome that was better than when Georgia presented. ##### Before surgery: ![Georgia - Before Surgery](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/Before%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20Before%20Surgery.jpeg?width=990&height=811&name=Georgia%20-%20Before%20Surgery.jpeg) ![Georgia - Before Mathis Surgery](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/Before%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20Before%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg?width=1290&height=1058&name=Georgia%20-%20Before%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg)   ##### SURGERY Images ##### Before: - ![b4 should not open that far](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/b4%20should%20not%20open%20that%20far.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=b4%20should%20not%20open%20that%20far.jpg) The weight of the rostral mandibles allow for an extended view prior to intubation. No patient should be able to open their mouth to 180 degrees! - ![b4](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/b4.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=b4.jpg) Before mandibulectomy - ![b4 TR](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/b4%20TR.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=b4%20TR.jpg) The teeth were becoming damaged and the mandibles were causing issues for the patient. ##### During: - ![during and preservation of salivary ducts](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/during%20and%20preservation%20of%20salivary%20ducts.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=during%20and%20preservation%20of%20salivary%20ducts.jpg) Note the preservation of the salivary caruncles under the tongue as the mandibles were beginning to be removed. - ![graphic intraop image](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/graphic%20intraop%20image.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=graphic%20intraop%20image.jpg) Mandibles removed and a wedge of chin resected just before reconstruction of a vestibule.   ##### After: - ![after](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/after.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=after.jpg) A chin was nicely reformed. While a subtotal bilateral mandibulectomy has been performed, the tissues that remain are relatively cosmetic and the patient is much more comfortable. - ![after can retain saliva](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/after%20can%20retain%20saliva.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=after%20can%20retain%20saliva.jpg) The lip vestibule was reconstructed to allow saliva to be somewhat retained. The tongue will hang out, but the tongue hung out when the mandibles were fully intact.   ##### Follow-Up Information: Due to Georgia’s condition from puppyhood, she was already hand fed. While she is able to lap up food with her tongue, she was acting well the next day. Soft tissue healing does require 10-14 days, but many dogs and cats without teeth return to eating hard food and behaving as if nothing happened in 2 weeks. As with all pets, annual anesthetic dental procedures with intraoral x-rays are needed. Beyond that, no follow-up care is needed (after tissue healing) for the actual mandible removal.   ![Georgia - After Mathis Surgery](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/After%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20After%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Georgia%20-%20After%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg) **2.** Georgia is doing great post surgery! ![Georgia - After Mathis Surgery 2](https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23427187/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/After%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20After%20Mathis%20Surgery%202.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Georgia%20-%20After%20Mathis%20Surgery%202.jpeg) **1.** Georgia is doing great post surgery!   ##### Google Review From the Pet-Owner:   > If your pet needs the help of a veterinary dentist/oral surgeon look no further! My dog was experiencing a lot of pain and from the moment we called, Dr. Mathis and the team handled our case with care. My dog is doing well after her rostral mandibulectomy, eating and drinking and while she looks a little different, I couldn't be happier with the outcome of her surgery. Dr. Mathis was able to provide her with a more comfortable mouth and better cosmetic appearance in comparison to her prior to surgery. ![Georgia - Before 4](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/Before%20any%20surgery/Georgia%20-%20Before%204.jpeg?width=1139&height=926&name=Georgia%20-%20Before%204.jpeg) Kate Georgia's biggest fan! - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Bilateral Rostral Mandibulectomy - Oral Mass](https://tooth.vet/hubfs/Case%20Studies/September%202023/CT%20RADS/2%20FIOT%20Rostral_MNectomy_Sep_2023_CT_03.png)](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/sep-2023-bilateral-rostral-mandibulectomy-oral-mass) #### [Bilateral Rostral Mandibulectomy - Oral Mass](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/sep-2023-bilateral-rostral-mandibulectomy-oral-mass) ![Picture of Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20CV,%20Bio,%20Headshot/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png?width=30&name=Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png) [Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/author/mathis) : Oct 3, 2023 2:02:08 PM Case Summary: Removing or shortening the mandibles can be helpful. Most patients are more comfortable and can have a relatively cosmetic outcome.... [veterinary dentistry](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-dentistry) [surgical mandible removal](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-mandible-removal) [invasive oral mass](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/invasive-oral-mass) [cystic swelling](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/cystic-swelling) [feline inductive odontogenic tumor](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/feline-inductive-odontogenic-tumor) [impacted tooth](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/impacted-tooth) [bilateral rostral mandibulectomy](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/bilateral-rostral-mandibulectomy) [FIOT](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/fiot) [veterinary surgery](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-surgery) [Dental Health Management](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/dental-health-management) [surgical techniques](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-techniques) [Read More](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/sep-2023-bilateral-rostral-mandibulectomy-oral-mass) [![Bilateral Mandibulectomy - Fractures](https://tooth.vet/hubfs/Case%20Studies/November%202023/Bilateral%20Mandibulectomy%20Fractures.png)](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/oct-2023-bilateral-mandibulectomy-fractures) #### [Bilateral Mandibulectomy - Fractures](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/oct-2023-bilateral-mandibulectomy-fractures) ![Picture of Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20CV,%20Bio,%20Headshot/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png?width=30&name=Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png) [Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/author/mathis) : Nov 15, 2023 11:01:05 AM Case Summary: As noted in other posts, removing or shortening the mandibles can be a needed procedure. Most patients are more comfortable and can... [veterinary dentistry](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-dentistry) [surgical mandible removal](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-mandible-removal) [veterinary surgery](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-surgery) [Dental Health Management](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/dental-health-management) [surgical techniques](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-techniques) [bilateral mandibulectomy](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/bilateral-mandibulectomy) [periodontal disease](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/periodontal-disease) [pathologic fractures](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/pathologic-fractures) [Read More](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/oct-2023-bilateral-mandibulectomy-fractures) #### [Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/guided-tissue-regeneration) ![Picture of Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/hs-fs/hubfs/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20CV,%20Bio,%20Headshot/Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png?width=30&name=Jennifer%20Mathis%20-%20500x500%20Headshot-2.png) [Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/author/mathis) : Mar 18, 2024 7:58:43 PM Case Summary: Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is a technique performed to promote osseous regeneration, allowing for tissue growth (bone and soft... [veterinary dentistry](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-dentistry) [veterinary surgery](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-surgery) [Dental Health Management](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/dental-health-management) [surgical techniques](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/surgical-techniques) [Guided Tissue Regeneration](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/guided-tissue-regeneration) [GTR Procedure](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/gtr-procedure) [Veterinary case study](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/veterinary-case-study) [Dental bone graft](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/dental-bone-graft) [Vertical bone loss](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/vertical-bone-loss) [Beagle dental health](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/beagle-dental-health) [Pet dental care](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/pet-dental-care) [Bone graft study](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/bone-graft-study) [Periodontal pocket treatment](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/periodontal-pocket-treatment) [Oral tissue regeneration](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/tag/oral-tissue-regeneration) [Read More](https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/guided-tissue-regeneration) ##### Quick Links Quick Links - [Refer a Patient](https://tooth.vet/patient-referral) - [Schedule a Consultation - For Pet Owners](https://tooth.vet/pet-owners) - [Dental Education](https://tooth.vet/dental-education) [![Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent](https://tooth.vet/hubfs/Logos%20(Animal%20Dentistry)/Animal-Dentistrylogo-transparent.png)](https://tooth.vet/about-us) © 2025 Animal Dentistry Referral Services [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/FamilyPetNorwalk)[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@toothvetia) Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP", "url" : "https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/author/mathis" }, "dateModified" : "2023-10-03T18:58:48.234Z", "datePublished" : "2023-09-07T14:18:12.000Z", "headline" : "Rostral Mandibulectomy - Genetic disorder", "image" : [ "https://23427187.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23427187/Case%20Studies/August%202023/Georgia%20-%20Pet%20Owner%20Pics/Before%20Mathis%20Surgery/Georgia%20-%20Before%20Mathis%20Surgery.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://tooth.vet/beneath-the-surface-animal-dentistry-referral-services-case-chronicles/august-2023-rostral-mandibulectomy-3yo-french-bulldog", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Animal Dentistry Referral Services" } } ```