Summary

Mandibular fractures in 17 dogs and in eight catswere managed using external skeletal fixation (ESF)with acrylic or epoxy resin connecting bars. In order tomaintain dental occlusion during fracture repair pharyngostomyor tracheostomy was performed in 12dogs and in six cats to permit inhalational anaesthesiaduring surgery. All of the fractures healed with the exceptionof fractures in two dogs. Mandibular externalskeletal fixation was well tolerated and there was notany evidence of iatrogenic damage to teeth nor toneurovascular structures within the mandible. Implantloosening was commonly observed at the time offixator removal, but it did not affect the outcome.