Mandibular fracture repair in a harbor seal

A 30-year-old captive female harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) bit down upon a metal ring within a hoop-net normally used to assist in securing the seal for routine physical examination. Radiographic examination performed under general anesthesia revealed a unilateral closed fracture of the rostral left mandible between the first and second premolar teeth. The rostral fragment was displaced ventrally and slight laxity of the mandibular symphysis was noted. The fracture was repaired surgically using an oral dental acrylic splint incorporating circumferential mandibular cerclage wire. The mandibular symphysis was stabilized using interdental wire between the right and left canine teeth. The fixation device was removed following evaluation of radiographs that showed signs of bony union 12-months postoperatively.