Introduction: A 9yo MN Jack Russell cross dog named Boris presented after being attacked by the neighbours dog. He suffered maxillary fractures. He was treated with analgesics and antibiotics and referred for surgery.

Clinical Findings: The animal was stable on examination. There were punctures to the neck and mandible. Neurologic and orthopaedic examination were unremarkable apart from the facial fractures.

Diagnostic Work-up: Radiographs of the skull were made which showed the upper LHS canine had fractured with the maxillary and frontal bones. The entire rostral maxilla had separated from the caudal muzzle. Oral examination showed the LHS upper canine appeared devitalized, however the RHS appeared ok.

Surgery: Boris was prepared for surgery and a 6 hole 2.0mm T plate was placed on the LHS lateral rostral maxilla after the canine was removed. Two K wires were driven from rostral to caudal, dorsal to the incisors. The hard palate was sutured with interrupted 3/0 Biosyn sutures. Some of the necrotic nasal bone and conchae were removed with rongeurs. The area was liberally lavaged and suctioned. Fine positive and negative profile pins were placed

Into the incisor and maxillary bone and an acrylic external fixator was placed around the upper jaw and polymethylmethacrylate was used to cure and strengthen the construct.

Postoperative Management: The facial swelling was managed with ice packs. Boris was medicated with Temgesic and Metacam for analgesia. We elected not to place an oesophagostomy tube and Boris began eating the day after surgery. The owners were instructed to clean around the pins which were bandaged with Vet Wrap, with a cotton bud and saline. Boris tolerated the frame very well.

Follow Up: Radiographs were taken 6 weeks after the frame was placed and the frame was removed under general anaesthesia. Boris is functioning very well.

Discussion: Dog bite wounds to the face are a medical emergency. It is important that a patent airway is present as blood and nasal destruction can easily block the nasopharyngeal region. It is more important to stabilise the dog than consider surgery. Treatment for shock and observation to ensure the animal is breathing ok are the most pressing issues. Analgesia with NSAIDs and opiates such as Buprenorphine and Methadone help stabilise the patient.