Objective: To describe a technique for, and outcome after, mandibular osteodistraction in the horse.
Study design: Clinical report.
Animals: Warmblood horse.
Methods: A half ring external fixator was applied on both sides of an osteotomy site performed on the mandible of a colt. A bite plate was placed on the upper incisors creating occlusion between lower and upper jaw. After a 5-day latency period, distraction was applied (1 mm/day) until the overjet was judged normal.
Results: Mandibular elongation and correction of brachygnathia was obtained without major complications. Six months after the procedure the overjet reduction was considered stable.
Conclusions: Mandibular osteodistraction can be considered for treatment of severe brachygnathia in yearlings.
Clinical relevance: Distraction osteogenesis has the advantage of progressive elongation of the mandible, allowing concurrent bone remodeling and soft tissue adaptation. Severe mandibular incisor malocclusion in horses outside the maximal growth phase can be corrected using this technique.