Acupuncture applied to oral rehabilitation of a dog submitted to total bilateral mandibulectomy – Case report

Abstract

Neoplasms present a high incidence in small animals in several countries, and depending on malignancy degree, curative surgeries are required. The margins demanded for complete tumor excision as well as the size of the tumor are directly related to determine the procedure invasive level. In this context, the rehabilitation of these patients is extremely important for both, patients and owners adaptation and life quality in the postoperative period. This case report discusses the rehabilitation of a Golden retriever through acupuncture, after a total bilateral mandibulectomy. Considering the high complexity of the surgical procedures performed in this case, despite the fact that the pharyngogastric tube could not be removed, acupuncture was viable and useful, promoting relevant positives results physically, emotionally and psychological, increasing life quality through the reestablishment of self-feeding ability.