A Combined Ventral Extraoral and Intraoral Approach for Mandibulectomy in 9 Cats: A Case Series

This retrospective case series describes a combined ventral extraoral and intraoral approach for mandibulectomy in cats and highlights the importance of prompt management of the postoperative iatrogenic malocclusion through dental extraction, crown height reduction with vital pulp therapy or root canal therapy of the contralateral mandibular canine tooth. Nine cats were reviewed for signalment, history and physical examination, diagnostic workup, tumor type, mandibulectomy extension, lymph node removal as well as both intraoperative and postoperative complications. The performed surgical procedure was a combination of an extraoral approach ventrally to the mandible and an intraoral approach to remove the whole or a part of the mandible. Lymphadenectomy was achieved using the same surgical access. None of the cats had intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were limited to regional swelling and drooling lasting a week. Seven cats were able to eat immediately after the surgery. Of the other 2 cats, 1 regained the ability to eat within a month and 1 only ate from the owner's hands. The surgical approach for mandibulectomy described allowed better access and visualization of the caudal part of the mandible and direct access to regional lymph nodes. Moreover, if the expected postoperative malocclusion is managed during the same surgical procedure, there is a higher rate of postoperative eating ability compared to what is reported in the literature.