Mandibular fracture repair in a 1-month-old puppy with hemoparasitism.

A 1-month-old puppy sustained a mandibular fracture after being bitten by a larger dog. Upon examination, the puppy was also diagnosed with hemoparasitism. Treatment planning for such a case required meticulous attention to detail, thorough risk assessment at every stage, and the highest level of caution to ensure the safety of the patient.

Hemoparasitism and Surgical Risk
Hemoparasitic infections can lead to anemia and thrombocytopenia, significantly increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery. Therefore, the veterinary team decided to perform a blood transfusion prior to surgery to strengthen the patient's condition and minimize potential intraoperative complications.

Surgical Planning for Mandibular Fracture in a Young Puppy
Mandibular fracture repair in very young puppies carries high risks due to the fragility of developing bones and the proximity of major blood vessels in the jaw area. Even minor errors can lead to life-threatening outcomes. Consequently, the surgical team developed a detailed plan and aimed to minimize surgical time as much as possible to reduce risks.

Surgical Technique Employed
The team opted for internal fixation using a plate and screw system, a method that provides precise realignment of the fractured bone and is suitable for the ongoing growth phase of a young puppy’s jaw. By using high-quality surgical materials and the expertise of a professional team, the surgery was completed successfully.

Postoperative Care
Following surgery, the puppy was admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) for 24-hour intensive monitoring to detect and manage any potential complications promptly. Continuous evaluation of bone healing and the overall health status was carried out until the puppy showed marked improvement and was fit for discharge.

Follow-up and Outcome
During follow-up appointments, the fixation devices were removed after confirming good bone healing. The puppy’s recovery was highly satisfactory, reflecting the success of careful planning, skilled surgical intervention, and high-standard postoperative care.

Erawan Pet Hospital is honored to have played a role in restoring the health and quality of life of this beloved pet.

Note: Surgical intervention in puppies with concurrent hemoparasitic infection is a highly specialized procedure and should only be performed by an experienced veterinary team to ensure optimal safety and outcomes for the patient.

Written by : Dr. Chal Panjakunmakorn
Veterinarian, Department of Orthopedic Surgery