Oral Soft Tissue Surgery and Complex Case Management in Veterinary Dentistry

Course overview

This is a 3-hour, LIVE Seminar presented by Christopher Snyder, DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC. This lecture series focuses on surgical strategies and case management for challenging oral conditions in veterinary patients, combining principles of soft tissue flap design, management of feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), and surgical repair of congenital cleft palates. The course begins with essential techniques for creating and advancing oral surgical flaps, emphasizing instrumentation, mucogingival versus envelope flap selection, and methods to prevent and repair oronasal fistulas. Case-based examples highlight strategies to improve flap viability, manage palatal defects, and ensure tension-free closures. We will explore the pathophysiology and management of FCGS, including differential diagnosis, the role of viral and immune factors, and advances in both medical and surgical treatments. Special attention is given to full-mouth and quadrant-based extractions, long-term medical management strategies, and emerging therapies such as immunomodulation, laser therapy, and regenerative medicine. Finally, participants will examine the diagnosis and repair of cleft lip and palate, with review of classification systems, surgical timing, and techniques such as modified von Langenbeck, hinge flaps, and auricular cartilage grafts. Postoperative care, including feeding tube management, revision surgery planning, and client counseling, will be emphasized to improve patient outcomes. Together, these topics provide a comprehensive approach to oral soft tissue surgery and the management of complex, high-morbidity oral conditions in small animal practice.