Craniomandibular Osteopathy
General Information
Craniomandibular osteopathy is a painful disease of puppies (usually of Terrier breeds) between the ages of 3 and 10 months. The jaw and adjacent bones of the skull become thickened and develop sharp, bony projections (spicules) on their surfaces. This bony proliferation limits the range of jaw motion, causing pain on chewing and inability to open the mouth widely.
The cause is unknown, but the condition is neither inflammatory nor cancerous.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Periodic radiographs (x-rays) are necessary to evaluate your pet's condition.
2. Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
____Feed the normal diet.
____A special diet is required. Feed: _________________________________________
3. Special instructions:
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Your pet cannot eat.
* Your pet's general health declines.
* You cannot give the medication as directed.
Understanding Your Pet's Diagnosis
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Proliferative Disease of Bones
of the Head)
What is craniomandibular osteopathy ?
Craniomandibular osteopathy is a noncancerous, proliferative disease of unknown cause that affects the bones of the head. Bones commonly affected are the jaws, the back part of the skull, and the temporomandibular joint (referred to as TMJ) region of the skull. Symmetrical involvement of both sides is most common.
What causes craniomandibular osteopathy ?
The exact cause of craniomandibular osteopathy is unknown. The condition is believed to be hereditary because of its occurrence in certain breeds and families. Craniomandibular osteopathy is most commonly diagnosed in young West Highland white, Cairn, and Scottish terriers.
What are the signs of craniomandibular osteopathy ?
Craniomandibular osteopathy usually affects growing puppies 4 to 8 months of age with no gender predilection. Clinical signs usually relate to pain around the mouth resulting in difficulty eating. If the angular part of the jaw is involved, jaw movement is progressively restricted. Affected dogs may have difficulty chewing and swallowing food. Occasionally, lameness and swelling in one or more limbs can precede involvement of the jaw and head. Wasting (atrophy) of the muscles of the head is commonly found in affected dogs. Irregular thickening of the jaw and TMJ region, inability to fully open the jaw, intermittent fever and, occasionally, bulging of the eyes are observed.
How is craniomandibular osteopathy diagnosed ?
Your veterinarian may suspect craniomandibular osteopathy after obtaining a history and examining your pet. Radiographs (x-rays) of the skull are needed and are generally highly suggestive of the condition, especially when found in young dogs with symmetrical involvement of the bones. Occasionally, a bone biopsy (removal and microscopic examination of a sample of affected bone) is required to ensure that bone infection or bone cancer is not involved.
How is craniomandibular osteopathy treated ?
No specific treatment for craniomandibular osteopathy is available. Symptomatic treatment to control pain and swelling is all that can be done at this time. Because of difficulties in chewing and swallowing food, it may be necessary to change your pet's diet to ensure adequate nutrition and water intake.
What is the prognosis for animals with craniomandibular osteopathy ?
The pain and discomfort associated with craniomandibular osteopathy may diminish once your pet reaches skeletal maturity (10 to 12 months of age), and the bony disfigurement may partially regress. Your dog's overall prognosis depends on whether or not the disease involves the bones surrounding the TMJ region, in which case the movement of the jaw would be affected.
The information on this page was obtained from the site
www.vetmedcenter.com