Long-term clinical outcome of maxillofacial fractures in horses: A retrospective study of 30 cases (2020-2024).

Maxillofacial fractures in horses have excellent long-term prognosis with timely surgical intervention.

This retrospective observational study evaluated long-term outcomes in 30 horses with maxillofacial fractures treated between 2020-2024. Twenty-nine horses received treatment (25 surgical, 4 conservative), while one was euthanized. Most fractures (28/30) were displaced, with 16 involving the frontal bone. Computed tomography imaging was utilized in 11 cases. Surgical treatment included sinus lavage in 84% of cases. Median hospitalization lasted 11 days post-operatively, with antimicrobial therapy averaging 15 days and NSAID administration 8 days. Complications were minimal, including temporary nasal discharge (31%) and wound infection (6.9%). At median follow-up of 830 days, 96.6% of treated horses recovered successfully. All 26 horses with performance data returned to previous use levels, despite cosmetic defects in 75.9% of cases. The study demonstrates that maxillofacial equine fractures carry excellent prognosis with timely treatment and supportive care, with minimal functional compromise despite frequent cosmetic sequelae.

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