Jaw osteosynthesis in a captive lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758) kept under human care

Abstract

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is a large mammal that inhabits forested areas with abundance of water. It is well represented species in zoos and rescue centers and is easily adapted to the artificial environment. The most common veterinary problems in tapirs appear in skin, eye, musculoskeletal system and, to a lesser occurrence, teeth. The objective of this report is to present a case of osteosynthesis in the upper jaw of a seven-year-old male tapir, kept under human care in a zoo, with fracture of the rostral maxillary portion. The methodology of choice for the treatment was interdental fixation with steel wire, for coaptation of the fracture fragments, followed by splinting to stabilize the fracture foci. The diet was modified, to avoid overloading the masticatory force during the bone healing process. After 120 days, the animal underwent a new anesthesia for radiographic evaluation and removal of the osteosynthesis implants, showing good recovery and being incorporated into the group.