Bifid tongue and mandibular cleft in three mule foals.

摘要

Three cases of mandibular clefts associated with bifid tongues in mule foals from Morocco were described. The first case was a 12-day-old mule which failed to suckle. Clinical examination showed that it had a bifid tongue and mandibular cleft. Corrective surgery was undertaken under general anaesthesia. Despite intensive nursing care, including intravenous therapy, the foal died on the 5th day after surgery. The second case was a 6-day-old hinny foal with a history of weakness and inability to suckle. Buccal examination showed the lack of bony fusion of the mandible, but there was a continuous gingival covering. An extremely guarded prognosis was given, but the foal was lost to follow up. The third case was one-month-old mule presented with a total cleft of the mandible resulting in difficulty to suckle. Surgical correction was considered to be the only therapeutic option. The foal sucked and masticated normally with no milk loss and was discharged on the 15th day after surgery. However, the foal was lost to follow up..