Radical maxillectomy as a successful treatment for gunshot-induced maxillary and nasal cavity trauma in a dog

Objective: To report the successful treatment of gunshot-induced maxillary and nasal cavity damage with total maxillectomy in a two-year-old Labrador retriever dog. Methods: Radical maxillectomy was performed on highly comminuted maxillary and nasal cavity fractures resulting from gunshot trauma. The procedure was performed to remove the damaged region and reconstruct the remaining tissue. Results: Treatment of the fractures by total maxillectomy was successful in reconstruction of the remaining structures following debridement and in re-establishing return to normal activities and high owner satisfaction. Clinical significance: The outcome in this case suggests that severe maxillary and nasal cavity trauma in other dogs may be treated with radical maxillectomy given appropriate patient and owner selection.