Lucy - Oral Trauma

Lucy received substantial injuries to her nose and oral cavity after being struck by a car. The oral tissues (gingiva) were torn off of the maxillary bones (upper jaw). This first picture demonstrates abnormal mobility in the nose and upper lips.

The nostrils should be at the level of the blue arrow.

Side (lateral) view of oral cavity with lip exposed.

Same picture as above. The blue arrow demonstrates the opening to the nasal canals. This is where the nose should be attached. The green line is where the torn tissue would normally attach.

Front (rostral) view of the same injury.

Same picture as above. The upper green line should align with the the lower green line.

Repaired oral tissues. After cleaning and debriding the damaged tissues, the nose was realigned and the oral tissues were repaired. The affected areas healed over the next few weeks. Lucy should not have any serious long-term problems from this injury. Special thanks to Lucy's owner for allowing us to share this case!