Craniomandibular osteopathy

Buy now to access the full article, existing subscribers login

Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Breed predisposition, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Histopathology findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Standard treatment, Subsequent management, Prevention, Control, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Kyle Braund BVSc MVSc PhD FRCVS DipACVIM
Synonyms Westie's disease, lion jaw

Introduction

  • Rare: proliferation of new bone on mandibular rami and temporal bones (occasionally others).
  • Cause : unknown (possibly genetic).
  • Signs : pain on chewing and jaw opening.
  • Diagnosis : signs, radiography.
  • Treatment : symptomatic.
  • Prognosis : self-limiting: changes reverse with skeletal maturity (more than 8 months) - ankylosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) usually permanent.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Little or no movement in TMJ (even when anesthetized).
  • Thickening of mandibular rami may extend caudally to osseous bullae.
  • Pyrexia.
  • Visible thickening of mandibles.
  • Thickening of long bones.
  • Pain on palpation of bones.
  • Retrobulbar swelling.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • TMJ luxation Temporomandibular joint: luxation.
  • TMJ subluxation Temporomandibular joint: luxation.
  • TMJ infection Temporomandibular joint: disease - overview.
  • TMJ fracture Temporomandibular joint: fracture.
  • Neoplasia Temporomandibular joint: disease - overview.
  • Mandibular neuropraxia Mandible: neurapraxia.
  • Canine masticatory myopathy Masticatory myopathies.
  • Temporomandibular dysplasia Temporomandibular joint: dysplasia.
  • Long bone changes.
  • Hypertropic pulmonary osteopathy Hypertrophic osteopathy.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Fair: when animals retain jaw movement and pain is controllable.
  • Poor: when total TMJ ankylosis - euthanasia may be advisable.

Expected response to treatment

  • Gradual reversal of symptoms should occur from 8 months of age onwards (except TMJ ankylosis - usually permanent).

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Extensive/complete TMJ ankylosis.
  • Some cases progressive.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Franch J et al(1998) Craniomandibular osteopathy in two Pyrenean mountain dogs. Vet Rec 142 (19), 455-459.
  • Munjar T A et al(1998) Comparison of risk factors for hypertrophic osteopathy, craniomandibular osteopathy and canine distemper virus infection. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 11 (1), 39-43.
  • Hudson J A et al(1994) Computed tomography of craniomandibular osteopathy in a dog. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 35 (2), 94-99.

Sample content only, to unlock the full article login or buy now

Loading...