Mandibular rim excision in seven dogs

Objective: To describe a surgical technique for excision of minimally invasive mandibular tumors at the level of the premolar and molar teeth, and report outcome in 7 dogs that had mandibular rim excision. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=7) with a mandibular tumor at the level of the premolar and molar teeth. Methods: Using an intraoral approach to the mandible, buccal, and lingual mucosal incisions are made to obtain a 10 mm clean margin beyond neoplastic tissue. After subperiosteal soft tissue elevation, a curvilinear rim mandibulectomy is performed, leaving the mandibular canal and ventral cortex intact, followed by osteoplasty. The remaining attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa are sutured over the bony defect. Results: Seven dogs were treated (1997-2008) for odontogenic and early malignant neoplasms involving the mandible by mandibular rim excision. All dogs had healed, healthy gingival covering over the surgical defect, very good postoperative function, and good quality of life. Conclusion: Mandibular rim excision, with preservation of the ventral cortex and mandibular canal content, can be a good option for treatment of early odontogenic and malignant lesions of the mandible in medium to large breed dogs. Clinical Relevance: In medium to large dogs with minimally invasive mandibular neoplasia, mandibular rim excision should be considered as a viable surgical option.