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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is essential to your dog’s ability to bite or chew because it is this joint (the hinge) that makes the jaw open and close correctly. Any type of disorder in the TMJ area can prevent your dog from opening or closing his mouth. There are several reasons that your dog may have gotten a TMJ disorder, such as injury, dislocation, and chronic swelling due to dental or other problems. Dogs that have a long muzzle or a short muzzle are more susceptible to TMJ disorders.
The sooner you get treatment for your dog the easier and more successful the treatment will be. Waiting for it to go away or get better will make it harder to treat because it will just keep getting worse with time.
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) will result in your dog not being able to fully open or close its mouth. Dislocation can happen with or without any fractures in the bones. A partial or complete dislocation (rostral or caudal), trauma (with or without broken bones), or chronic inflammation may be the cause of the TMJ. The disorder usually presents as either the inability to close the mouth or being unable to open the mouth.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Average Cost
From 25 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Types
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The veterinarian will need to know about your dog’s complete medical history, such as any recent illness or injury, vaccination records, changes in diet or behavior, what symptoms you have noticed, when the symptoms started, and whether they have gotten any worse. Be sure to let the veterinarian know if your dog has been at any dog parks, doggie day care, or other places where your dog could have had an altercation with another dog. They will do a thorough physical examination of your dog, including blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate. The veterinarian will examine your dog’s jaw and try to manipulate it and he may have to use sedation if the examination is too painful or if your dog is resisting.
The veterinarian will need to run some tests as well. These tests include urinalysis, blood chemistry panel, complete blood count (CBC), and digital radiographs of the head and mouth. It may also be necessary to do an MRI and CT scan to get some more comprehensive views of the problem. If the veterinarian sees any dental issues, he may send you to see a veterinary dentist for further treatment.
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The treatment your veterinarian chooses will depend on what type of TMJ disorder your dog has. He may wait to see what the dentist has to say before any treatment is decided on just in case dental work needs to be done first. Some things the veterinarian may do in each type of disorder are:
Dislocation
In most cases, the veterinarian can manipulate the joint back into place and then insert a bite plate or just place a wrap on your dog’s muzzle to keep him from opening it. Your veterinarian will show you how to feed your dog with a feeding tube until the plate or wrap can be removed (which may only be 24 to 48 hours. If the joint does not stay in place after several tries, your veterinarian will suggest surgery to repair the joint. This may include removing a part of the jaw that is causing the problem or using wires to hold the position of the jaw.
Traumatic (with fracture)
Depending on the extent of the damage, the veterinarian may be able to repair the jaw with manipulation under anesthesia. The fracture may be able to be stabilized if it is minor, but usually it is necessary for the veterinarian to surgically repair the fracture with wires or metal plates. Your dog will need to be kept in the hospital for one or two nights and then allowed to go home with cage rest and a feeding tube. It may take up to three months to heal.
Traumatic (without fracture)
When there is no fracture, the damage is usually not serious and the veterinarian can manipulate the joint back into place with your dog under anesthesia.
Inflammatory
IV fluids, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroids will be given to relieve the swelling and pain. Once the swelling goes down, you will be able to take your dog home with a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication.
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In all cases, the veterinarian will give you medication for your dog for swelling and pain as well as an antibiotic for possible infection. You will be instructed to use ice for the pain and swelling and heat for relaxation and circulation. He may also give you some exercises to do with your dog and encourage you to try massage therapy. It is important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions and to come back for a follow-up visit. Call your veterinarian if you notice more pain or swelling in your dog or if your dog will not eat or drink. Chances of recovery are excellent if you catch the disorder right away and get treatment as soon as possible.
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Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Average Cost
From 25 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Ask a Vet
australian labradroodle
Four Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Accidentally kicked my dog’s face. Not sure if I need to bring him in. He didn’t whine but kept licking his nose and drooling for a bit.
Dec. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Your dog may have had some trauma to its nose, and if the drooling or licking continued, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian. I hope that he is okay.
Jan. 26, 2021
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Beagle
Four Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
When my my puppy yawns or just sounds like he’s swallowing I just noticed tonight it either sounds like his jaw goes out of place or it makes that rubbing sound. He doesn’t seem like he’s in any sort of pain I’m just concerned.
Nov. 19, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
0 Recommendations
This might be normal and something be will grow out of. The fact it doesn't bother him is great. I would ask the vet to examine the area the next time he is on for a check up. Monitor closely to ensure he eats and drinks well and has no other symptoms.
Nov. 19, 2020
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Boxer
Eight Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Dogs yelping in pain when his jaw is extended more than half way
July 18, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. There are inflammatory and infectious causes for this problem, that can require treatment. It would be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as they can examine him, see if there is a problem with his joints, muscles, or if he has an immune condition. They will be able to figure out what the cause is and what treatments he might need so that he can be more comfortable again. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 18, 2020
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Sonny
Jack Russell Terrier
11 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Can this occur after teeth extraction surgery? My dog had upper last 2 molars removed, since his eye is droopy, he chews carefully but prefers wet soft food over kibble, has no interest in hard treats, and his yawn is cut short because he cannot open his mouth too wide
June 28, 2018
Sonny's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Depending on when Sonny had those teeth out, he may still be a little sore and his jaw might be tender. If it has been more than a few days since his surgery, it would be a good idea to have him checked out to make sure that everything is okay with him.
June 28, 2018
Sonnys extractions were done end of February. He has had more mouth/head xrays and his vet cannot find a link between the extractions and his symptoms. He was recently treated for TMJ, using an anti-inflammatory. I didnt see a noticeable change. So back to square 1.
June 28, 2018
Sonny's Owner
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Lucy
Yorkipoo
9 Years
Serious severity
4 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My dog has had problems opening her mouth on and off for the past 4 months where her head will tilt to the left when she yawns or just lick her lips. You can tell she’s in pain b/c she is hesitant to open her mouth and isn’t her usual playful self. The vet prescribed antibiotics as well as gabapentin. She will get better for a week or so and then show the same symptoms. After an X-ray my vet says she has tmj dysplasia and needs to see a specialist. Doesn’t tmj dyslasia cause trouble closing mouth, not trouble opening? And are these symptoms consistent with dysplasia? My vet isn’t too familiar with it.
April 19, 2018
Lucy's Owner
4 Recommendations
Temporomandibular joint dysplasia is commonly associated with open jaw locking but it may also affect a range of movement with the jaw; I would recommend you consult with a Specialist especially since you have concerns with your Veterinarian’s diagnosis. You can also send copies of x-rays for a second opinion by board certified Specialists to PetRays for examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 19, 2018
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Wrigley
Pointer mix
1 Year
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
When my dog yawns his jaw seems to be popping out of place and it takes him a second to get it back and close his mouth. He was playing tug of war with one of our friends and I'm concerned they may have played to rough and his jaw popped out of place. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it and is still eating okay but does that sound like a dislocation?
Jaxon
Golden Retriever
2 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Noticed my 1 1/2 yr old golden retriever was unable to open mouth very lethargic. After at the vet diagnosed him with Lymes despite having the lymes vaccine. She dosed him with injection of antibiotic and injection of steroid. Sent home with antibiotic pills and oral steroid. Weaned off the steroid within a day he showed signs of lock jaw. Put back on steroids was fine, as able to reduce him down to 5 mg of prednisone/day ( he's 105#s). As soon as he goes off prednisone, jaw locks.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Average Cost
From 25 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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