Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2014; 27(03): 198-203
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-13-06-0075
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Retrospective evaluation of canine and feline maxillomandibular trauma cases

Comparison of lunar cycle and seasonality with non-maxillomandibular traumatic injuries (2003–2012)

Authors

  • B. L. Mulherin

    1   Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
  • C. J. Snyder

    1   Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
  • J. W. Soukup

    1   Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
  • S. Hetzel

    2   Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

Received 12. Juni 2013

Accepted 22. Februar 2013

Publikationsdatum:
21. Dezember 2017 (online)

Preview

Summary

Objectives: To determine relationships between seasonality and lunar cycle and the frequency of maxillomandibular (MM) and non-maxillomandibular (non-MM) injury in canine and feline trauma patients.

Methods: A medical records database was searched to identify all MM trauma patients (n = 67) and a random sample of non-MM trauma patients (n = 129) according to search criteria. Season of injury, moon phase, and moon luminosity were calculated for the date of injury.

Results: Maxillomandibular injury occurred predominately in the spring and decreased through winter while non-MM injury occurred more frequently in the summer and fall. The difference in the frequency of MM and non-MM injuries during different seasons was not significant (p = 0.071). When comparing the amount of moon illuminated when injuries occurred during the quarters before or after the full moon, a difference (p = 0.007) was noted with a greater number of injuries occurring immediately following the full moon.

Clinical significance: These results may guide clinicians to closely evaluate trauma patients that are presented on emergency during a particular season or lunar phase. Based on the season at the time of injury, close evaluation for MM versus non-MM trauma may be appropriate.