Reconstruction of a Severe Mandibular Lip and Chin Avulsion in a Kitten Using Intraosseous-Subcutaneous ‎Suture Technique

Lip and chin avulsion often results from orofacial trauma that occurs primarily in dogs and cats. Suture placement passing through the skin and around the incisor or canine teeth is the most common reconstructive method in animals. However, the reconstruction would be challenging in young puppies and kittens due to the limited growth of the teeth. A two-month-old kitten was presented for avulsion of a bilateral mandibular lip avulsion following a high-rise syndrome. Oral examination and skull radiographs demonstrated no mandibular fracture. Dental fracture was not observed. After aseptic preparations and under general anesthesia, four intraosseous-subcutaneous ‎sutures using 3-0 nylon were placed to adhere the degloved lip and chin to the mandibular bone. The sutures passed through the both mandibles and the subcutaneous tissue. Then, the labial mucosa and gingiva were opposed by simple continuous sutures using 4-0 Dexon. Post-operative antibiotic and anti-inflammatory were administered. Chlorhexidine mouthwash was ‎recommended for the first five days after surgery. Sutures were removed two weeks later. Infection, abscess formation, necrosis, and dehiscence are the commonly reported complications after lip and chin reconstruction. Using this technique, no complications were observed during a six months period.