Dogs who develop serious disease or injury in the upper jaw may require a veterinary surgical procedure called a partial maxillectomy. This advanced surgery involves removing bone and tissue from the maxilla (upper jaw). Depending on the extent and location of the damage, different types of partial maxillectomies may be performed.
What Is a Partial Maxillectomy?
Dogs rely on their upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws for chewing, swallowing, and facial expression. The maxilla supports the top teeth and separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity.
“A maxillectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the maxilla,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM. “A mandibulectomy, by contrast, is the removal of part or all of the lower jaw.”
Both procedures require general anesthesia and are typically performed to remove tumors or repair severe trauma.
Why Is a Maxillectomy Performed?
These surgeries are generally carried out by board-certified veterinary surgeons. The most common reasons include:
- Oral tumors interfering with eating or threatening to spread
- Severe trauma or jaw fractures
- Infections or damage that cannot be managed conservatively
Common oral tumors treated with maxillectomy:
- Malignant melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Benign acanthomatous ameloblastoma
Diagnosing Oral Tumors
Veterinarians start with a physical exam and history, then perform biopsies, CT scans, and lymph node sampling. Results determine whether a partial or full maxillectomy is appropriate.
Types of Partial Maxillectomy
- Unilateral rostral maxillectomy: for lesions on one side near the nose.
- Bilateral rostral maxillectomy: for lesions affecting both sides of the rostral palate.
- Lateral maxillectomy: for lesions along the mid-maxillary region.
- Bilateral full maxillectomy: for extensive palate involvement.
Complications and Prognosis
Recovery outcomes are often positive, with 1-year survival rates after partial maxillectomy ranging from 70–90%, depending on tumor type and extent. Possible complications include:
- Pain and swelling
- Nosebleeds
- Difficulty eating
- Lip trauma
- Oronasal fistula
- Wound reopening
Despite these, most owners report good quality of life afterward, with dogs returning to eating habits within days.
Post-Surgical Care
Recovery requires strict adherence to vet instructions:
- Pain management with medication
- Feeding softened food
- No hard chew toys
- Limited activity for 10–14 days
- Elizabethan collar to prevent pawing at stitches
Quality of Life After Surgery
Most dogs adjust remarkably well. Cosmetic changes may occur, but once healed, dogs typically enjoy a normal, happy life. With proper aftercare and routine checkups, your dog can regain comfort and thrive.
