Surgical treatment of pseudoankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in a dog

Abstract

Pseudoankylosis 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.