Surgical treatment of pseudoankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in a dog

Abstract

AbstractPseudoankylosis of the temporomandibular joint is infrequent in veterinary practice and mostly seen secondary to trauma. This case report describes the surgical treatment of a 1‐year old, male, entire lurcher that presented with progressive lateral deviation of the muzzle to the left and decreased vertical mandibular range of motion of 6‐month duration. There was no history of trauma, no pain on palpation and complete loss of temporomandibular joint movement, even under sedation. Computed tomography investigation showed a left‐sided temporomandibular pseudoankylosis with osseous fusion between the zygomatic arch and mandible. Surgical excision of the ankylosed bone was performed and achieved an initial 5 cm interincisal gap. The surgical site healed, with no complications reported. Re‐examination at 4 weeks revealed good vertical mandibular range of motion with interincisal gap of approximately 5 cm. At 9 months post‐operatively, the dog had maintained good vertical mandibular range of motion and was able to eat normally, pant and hold large toys.