Internal fixation of bilateral mandibular body fractures in a steer

Bilateral fractures of the mandible were identified in a 9-month-old mixed-breed beef steer, used for show, that had been hit by a car 8 hours prior to admission. The fractures involved the left interdental space and the premolar region of the right hemimandible. For maximal cosmesis, fractures were repaired via internal fixation by use of a medially positioned broad dynamic-compression plate and cerclage wire. A medial approach served to protect more laterally located vascular and nervous structures. The wider intermandibular space in cattle, compared with that in horses, made the medial approach and plate placement feasible.