Functional orthopedic treatment for mandibular asymmetry in a giant panda with amputation

To apply human orthodontic principles in treating malocclusion with dentofacial asymmetry for a juvenile male giant panda in which a developmental anomaly was potentially attributable to accidental maternal injury to the mandible and left forelimb, as well as subsequent amputation of the left forelimb.

Custom orthodontic appliances were designed using intraoral scanning and bonded under general anesthesia. Treatment involved fixed appliances and elastic tractions over a 6-month period. Pretreatment and posttreatment evaluation included clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) scanning.

Functional orthopedic treatment successfully corrected the mandibular deviation, improving facial symmetry and masticatory function. CT scans demonstrated correction of mandibular deviation and compensatory growth of the left cranial base.

This case demonstrates successful application of orthodontic principles in treating developmental asymmetry in a giant panda through interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinary and orthodontic specialists.