Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Septic arthritis in dogs' jaw joint signs and treatment
By Arzi, Boaz et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2021·Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of Septic Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in with severe pain and swelling around the jaw, making it difficult for him to open his mouth. The veterinarian suspected septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a serious condition that can arise from infections or injuries. After using advanced imaging techniques to confirm the diagnosis, the vet performed exploratory surgery to clean the joint and collect samples for testing. Following treatment, the dog showed significant improvement and was able to eat and play normally again.
People also search for: dog jaw pain · septic arthritis treatment in dogs · why can't my dog open his mouth
Abstract
Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in dogs and other mammals is a rare condition. It is typically associated with notable pain, swelling, and difficulty in opening the mouth. Unlike degenerative TMJ disease, septic arthritis requires urgent intervention. The etiology of the condition may include penetrating trauma, an extension of local infection, such as otitis media, or the hematogenous spread of a pathogen. However, the precise cause may not always be identified. Diagnostic imaging with Computed Tomography (CT), cone-beam CT (CBCT), and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are helpful for honing the definitive diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan. Subsequently, exploratory surgery may be required to obtain samples for culture and sensitivity and histology and to lavage the joint. In this "methods" article, we provide a detailed description of our approach to diagnosis and management of septic TMJ arthritis in four dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33855056/