Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Locked jaw syndrome in dogs and cats: 37 cases (1998-2005).
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary dentistry
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Gatineau, Matthieu et al.
- Affiliation:
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine · Canada
Plain-English summary
This study looked at 37 cases of dogs and cats with locked jaw syndrome, which means they couldn't open or close their mouths properly. Most of the affected animals were dogs, particularly adult dogs. The most common reason for this condition was a problem with the jaw joint caused by a fracture. Other possible causes included muscle inflammation, tumors, nerve issues, and various joint problems. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, and while some conditions like fractures have a good chance of recovery, others, like certain neurological issues, have a much poorer outlook.
Abstract
A consecutive series of cases of dogs and cats with locked jaw syndrome (inability to open or close the mouth) are reported in this study. Dogs were significantly overrepresented (84.0%) and adult dogs were more frequently affected (81.0%). Temporomandibular joint ankylosis due to fracture was the most common cause (54.0%) of locked jaw syndrome. Additional potential causes of locked jaw syndrome are masticatory muscle myositis, neoplasia, trigeminal nerve paralysis and central neurological lesions, temporomandibular joint luxation and dysplasia, osteoarthritis, retrobulbar abscess, tetanus, and severe ear disease. Treatment of locked jaw is directed towards the primary cause. It is important to treat the tonic spasm in order to minimize periarticular fibrosis. Surgical intervention is recommended for temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Masticatory muscle myositis treatment is initiated by gradually opening the mouth, with medical treatment based on immunosuppressive therapy. Fracture and masticatory muscle myositis are associated with a relatively good prognosis in regard to short-term outcome as compared to animals with central neurologic lesions or osteosarcoma which have a poor prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18512621/