Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for Dogs and Cats

At Eastcott Referrals, our Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DOMS) team offers specialist surgical solutions for pets with complex conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, face and associated structures. These procedures often require advanced skill, precision and facilities, all of which we provide in our state-of-the-art referral centre.

We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of surgical care while working closely with referring veterinary surgeons to ensure every patient receives the most appropriate and compassionate treatment.

Advanced Surgical Care for Complex Conditions

CT showing a lower left jaw fracture in a cat

This CT shows a left lower jaw fracture in a cat. We use images like this to plan treatment

Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers a wide range of procedures, from repairing traumatic injuries to removing tumours and correcting congenital defects. At Eastcott, our services include, but are not limited to:

  • Fracture repair for injuries to the jaw (mandible or maxilla) caused by trauma
  • Closure of oronasal fistulas, which are abnormal openings between the mouth and nasal cavity
  • Removal of oral tumours, using techniques aimed at achieving clean margins while preserving function
  • Correction of cleft palate and lip defects, often seen in young animals
  • Surgery for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including luxation (dislocation) and ankylosis (fusion)
  • Management of complex maxillofacial injuries, including reconstruction of both soft tissue and bone

Each surgical plan is carefully tailored to the individual patient’s needs and clinical circumstances.

Collaborative, Specialist-Led Approach

The same cat after a metal plate has been used

The same cat after a triangular metal plate has been used to align and fix the fracture

We understand that oral and maxillofacial conditions can be challenging to manage, both for pet owners and referring vets. That’s why our approach is collaborative and transparent.

From the moment a case is referred, we work closely with the referring veterinary surgeon to:

  • Review all available diagnostic information
  • Discuss potential treatment options
  • Agree the most appropriate surgical and supportive care plan

 

 

This ensures that referring vets remain closely involved and fully informed at every stage, from initial consultation through to discharge and aftercare.

The Referral Process

Referring patients to Eastcott’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service is simple and straightforward. Our team is available to assist at every step:

  • Initial referral submission, either online or directly to our referrals team
  • Case triage and assessment, to plan the most appropriate appointment or admission
  • Pre-surgical consultation, where the owner and referring vet’s observations are carefully reviewed and the surgical plan is discussed
  • Prompt scheduling of surgery, especially in trauma cases where rapid intervention is often required

In urgent cases, our team can be contacted directly to expedite referrals where immediate attention is needed.

Post-Surgical Care and Follow-Up

The cat's mouth, showing a splint where the fracture was

The cat had a left jaw fracture which has been repaired with an acrylic splint

After surgery, our role continues well beyond the procedure itself. Post-operative support is a key part of the Eastcott ethos and includes:

  • Pain management protocols, ensuring pets are kept comfortable throughout recovery
  • Feeding and home care advice, including dietary modifications when necessary
  • Owner support and communication, to help guide them through the recovery phase
  • Routine follow-up examinations, often with repeat imaging to confirm successful healing
  • Liaison with referring vets, ensuring they receive clear updates and advice for any ongoing care

 

Every patient benefits from personalised aftercare to promote safe, effective healing and avoid complications.

Working Together for the Best Outcomes

At Eastcott Referrals, we take pride in working as part of a team with our referring veterinary colleagues. Oral and maxillofacial cases often present unique challenges, but with our expertise, technology and patient-focused care, we aim to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for vets, owners and pets alike.

If you would like to refer a patient or discuss a potential case, please contact our Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team today. We are always happy to offer advice or provide support, whether pre-referral or post-treatment.