SURGICAL STABILIZATION OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURE IN A FREE-RANGING STRIPED HYENA (Hyaena hyaena): A CLINICAL CASE REPORT
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Abstract
Mandibular fractures in wild carnivores present significant clinical challenges due to constraints in safe restraint, surgical stabilization, and post-operative management. This report describes the successful management of a mandibular fracture in a free-ranging striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) rescued following a human–wildlife conflict incident. An adult female hyena presented with severe facial swelling, mandibular instability, impaired vision, and inability to feed. Radiographic evaluation confirmed a mandibular fracture and symphysis. Surgical stabilization was achieved using cerclage wire fixation under general anaesthesia. Post-operative care included antimicrobial therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, nutritional support, wound management, and photo-biomodulation therapy. The animal was maintained on a soft diet to minimize masticatory stress. Voluntary feeding resumed by 11 weeks, and radiographic union was confirmed at 12 weeks, following which the fixation material was removed. This case highlights the effectiveness of orthopedic wire fixation combined with structured post-operative care in achieving functional recovery in mandibular fractures of wild carnivores.
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References
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