This show is part of a series we created for the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, http://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospital/videos,/ in order to help them answer the question: What happens when your animal comes to Cornell University Hospital for Animals? We take a look behind the scenes, following actual cases, including examinations, diagnostic testing, medical treatments, surgery and recovery. The videos were edited without narration, so they could be used in live presentations with doctors and clinicians explaining the procedures to a variety of audiences.

This pug was just a puppy when he came in to the emergency service at the Cornell University hospital for Animals. His jaw was fractured, and the young tooth buds may have been affected. Looking at him externally you couldn’t see much, but internally, his mandible (jaw) was dangling.

He has blood work, and gets prepped, while the orthopedic surgeon and the dental surgeon consult about how to best help him.

He’ll need a tracheostomy in order to allow surgery on his mouth – the breathing tube for his anesthesia will be put directly through his neck into his trachea. This will allow the dental surgeon to work directly in his mouth without obstruction. Dental x-rays are used to help plan the surgery. The fracture is stabilized with a thin wire, delicately placed, and fixed with an acrylic splint that will not disturb the developing teeth in this young puppy. This will avoid damage to tooth buds. This procedure is called a mandibular symphoseal.