A traumatic maxillary fracture occurred in a 2-year-old pan tropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata. Physical examination revealed an obvious fracture of the maxilla, with deviation of the rostrum dorsally and laterally to the right. Radiographs of the skull revealed a compound comminuted fracture of the maxilla with bone fragments penetrating the hard palate.

Analgesics and prophylactic antibiotics were administered. Following closed reduction, the fracture was immobilized by splinting the maxilla to the mandible with elastic Velcro strips. The maxilla was immobilized for three weeks, removing the Velcro straps three times a day to allow for feeding and administration of medications.

A bone sequestrum was removed from the hard palate after the third week.

Follow-up radiographs showed normal bone healing. Functional and cosmetic results were good.