Surgical Treatment of Facial Abscesses and Facial Surgery in Pet Rabbits

Odontogenic facial abscesses following periapical infections and osteomyelitis of the jaw represent an important part of the acquired and progressive dental disease syndrome in pet rabbits. Retrobulbar and retromasseteric abscesses, extensive osteomyelitis of the mandible, and empyemas of the skull are frequent complications. This article reviews the surgical anatomy, the pathophysiology and the classification of abscesses, and empyemas affecting the mandible, the maxilla, and other anatomic parts of the skull. It also includes the description of the numerous surgical approaches and techniques for treatment of both standard and challenging facial abscesses.