When Copper, a three-month-old Goldendoodle, was attacked by an unleashed dog during a family vacation, his future seemed uncertain. His jaw and tongue were severely injured, leaving his family desperate for answers. What followed was a remarkable journey of recovery, led by the veterinary experts at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, where Copper’s life was saved through the skill and dedication of the hospital’s renowned dental and oral surgery team.

A Team of Experts Leads the Way

Copper’s journey began with a traumatic injury while on a family vacation to Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. His family rushed him to a local clinic, where the first steps of treatment were taken, but it was clear that Copper’s injuries required specialized care. Copper’s veterinarian recommended that the Weismans take him to Penn Vet, where some of the most skilled veterinary professionals in the field would assess and treat him.

Dr. Esther Choi, DVM, an oral surgery resident at Penn Vet, took the lead in Copper’s case. “When Copper arrived, we weren’t overly concerned, but we knew it would be important to monitor the long-term implications of his jaw injury,” Dr. Choi recalls. “The immediate concern was stabilizing the jaw and preventing any future complications, like malocclusion or periodontal disease.”

Advanced Techniques and Precision Care

Dr. Choi and the team were faced with a complex case, where they would need to not only treat Copper’s injuries but also prevent long-term damage. Copper’s jaw had been broken in several places, and some of his teeth had been misaligned due to the trauma. The team at Penn Vet took a comprehensive approach, using cutting-edge technology and specialized techniques to give Copper the best chance at recovery.

The first step was a thorough examination, including dental X-rays and a CT scan, to understand the full extent of the damage. “What we see externally in the mouth is just the tip of the iceberg,” Dr. Choi explains. “The most critical aspects of the injury are beneath the surface, so we use these advanced imaging techniques to get a complete picture of the damage.”

Once the team had a clear understanding of Copper’s injuries, they decided on the best course of action: to stabilize his jaw using a splint and perform vital pulp therapy on one of his molars to preserve the tooth. This restorative procedure aims to save the tooth’s structure rather than remove it, which would have led to additional complications.

A Collaborative Effort Across Disciplines

Copper’s care at Penn Vet was not only handled by Dr. Choi but also by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including those in radiology, anesthesia, and nursing. This collaboration allowed for a seamless approach to his treatment. “The key to successful outcomes in complex cases like Copper’s is the ability to collaborate across disciplines,” says Dr. Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO, hospital director and chief medical officer at Ryan Hospital.

The surgeons first removed the plates that had been placed to stabilize Copper’s jaw in the previous hospital and replaced them with an interdental splint to better align the jaw fragments. This delicate procedure was essential to ensure that Copper’s jaw healed properly and reduced the risk of long-term complications, such as osteoarthritis in the jaw joint.

Dr. Choi’s Expertise: Restoring More Than Just Teeth

Throughout Copper’s treatment, Dr. Choi’s expertise in dental and oral surgery was crucial. As a dentistry resident at Penn Vet, she specializes in maxillofacial surgery, an area of veterinary medicine that focuses on the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the mouth and face. Dr. Choi noted the importance of saving Copper’s teeth, particularly one molar that had become misaligned due to the injury.

“By preserving the molar, we can ensure that Copper’s jaw continues to grow and develop properly as he matures,” Dr. Choi explains. “This treatment reduces the chances of the bone becoming unstable and helps prevent future dental issues that could result in long-term pain and discomfort.”

A Long Road to Recovery

After surgery, Copper’s healing process was far from simple. The Weismans faced the challenge of keeping a lively puppy calm while his jaw healed. Copper’s healing journey included a feeding tube and regular pain management, but his perseverance was matched by the dedication of the Penn Vet team.

“We’ve seen Copper go through some tough moments, but he’s such a fighter,” says Dr. Choi. “It’s rewarding to see him make progress every day. It’s why we do what we do.”

Copper’s Story Inspires the Next Generation of Veterinarians

Copper’s case has not only been a success story for his family but also an inspiring one for aspiring veterinarians. Ryan Weisman, Copper’s young owner, was so moved by the care his puppy received at Penn Vet that he began to consider a career in veterinary medicine. “I might want to be a vet,” Ryan said after seeing how the Penn Vet team worked together to save Copper. “It seems really cool.”

Dr. Choi’s work and the collaborative efforts at Penn Vet serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that skilled, compassionate veterinary care can have on animals and their families. “At Penn Vet, we’re committed to providing the best care for our patients,” Dr. Choi says. “We’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in veterinary medicine to ensure that animals like Copper get the second chances they deserve.”

The Future of Veterinary Dentistry and Maxillofacial Care

Copper’s journey also highlights the importance of veterinary dental and oral surgery, a field that continues to evolve with advancements in technology and techniques. Penn Vet remains at the forefront of this field, training the next generation of veterinarians to provide specialized care to animals with complex dental and facial injuries.

In the coming months, Penn Vet will open a new state-of-the-art dentistry and oral surgery suite, enhancing the hospital’s ability to treat patients like Copper with even more advanced tools and technology. With the addition of cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, including a new cone-beam computed tomography system, Penn Vet will continue to provide exceptional care for animals in need.

Copper’s case is a testament to the expertise and dedication of the veterinary professionals at Penn Vet, whose work is not only saving lives but shaping the future of veterinary medicine.