External coaptation for mandibular fractures in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): 2 cases

Background: Mandibular fractures are a common presentation in reptiles, and most often occur from fighting with cage mates, falls, or iatrogenic trauma from improper handling or getting caught in cage doors/lids. 
Case description: Two cases of a simple, complete, open fracture of the right mandible in bearded dragons are described. In Case 1, a 2.5-year-old female intact bearded dragon presented with a right mandibular fracture after being bitten by a blue tongued skink. In Case 2, 10-month-old, female intact 259-g bearded dragon presented with an iatrogenic right mandibular fracture. External coaptation was applied with a metal wire and dental acrylic molded to the ventral mandible in both cases. A modified tape muzzle was used to reduce movement of the mandible. External coaptation was removed in the Case 1 at 7 weeks and in Case 2 at 9 weeks, with radiographic evidence of calcification at the fracture site. 
Conclusions and case relevance: External coaptation with a dental acrylic and a modified tape bandage healed simple, complete, open unilateral mandibular fractures in 2 bearded dragons. The use of this external coaptation allowed the animals to continue with normal activity and did not require esophageal feeding tubes for nutritional support.