Modified T-Shaped Closure of Rostral Maxillary Defects in Dogs Following Rostral Maxillectomy

Rostral maxillary defects following curative intent surgery for maxillary neoplasms can be difficult to close. This paper describes a modified T-shaped closure following rostral maxillectomy that permits the primary mucosal closure of larger rostral maxillary defects that may not be amenable to standard closure techniques. The technique facilitates decreased incision site tension, results in a more cosmetic closure (decreased concave deformity of the muzzle), maintains normal vestibule size, preserves critical vasculature, and maintains the greatest amount of available tissue for repair of defects, should they occur. Retrospective evaluation of medical records from January 1, 2015, through January 31, 2023, at the Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Gaithersburg, MD, United States, identified 23 dogs having undergone bilateral incisivectomy and unilateral or bilateral rostral maxillectomy where this closure was utilized. Evaluation of available medical records and client interviews demonstrated successful outcomes; however, further studies are needed to validate the success rate of this technique.