Our Great Pyrenees dog can't open her mouth more than an inch. She doesn't seem to be in distress -- happy even, just a little worried. We know she chews on things in the yard. Our first idea was lockjaw / tetanus - but she doesn't seem sick in any way. My husband has forced her lips open and can't get the jaw to open - but there doesn't seem to be any injury or infection that he can see.
Any other ideas we should look for why she can't open her jaw?
2007-10-01 03:13:10 · 9 answers · asked by Rhelynn 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We are taking her to the vet this afternoon - but even he seemed surprised by our description of symptoms. Asked here to get some other speculation from people who might have seen it before so we know what to ask about.
2007-10-01 03:35:59 · update #1
She is drinking water and eating what food she can get in with her tongue - she can open her jaw one inch or so, just not all the way.
2007-10-01 03:38:16 · update #2
UPDATE: Got her back from the vet. Not tetanus, not any injury they can find. They are at a loss to explain. They couldn't get her mouth open under sedation. They said just keep giving her an anti-inflammatory and feeding her slurried food if we want her to survive... and hope it doesn't get any worse.
My husband is really worried now that we might have to put her to sleep if it doesn't get any better.
2007-10-01 06:40:43 · update #3
You need to get your GP to the vet.
UPDATE: Find another vet who will do x-rays and refer you to a specialist.
2007-10-01 03:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The other signs of tetanus are problems walking, a surprised or worried look on the face and a "bug-eyed" look in the eyes.
But you say he doesn't seem sick so..
I know there is a disease some dogs get called masticatory myositis, but that usually progresses so far that you can't even force a finger inside the dogs mouth and that needs surgery. But you said you were able to force the mouth open so...
I'm out of ideas. I've tried to do some research for you but nothings coming up. Try and get up the money to take her in for an examination. Sorry I couldn't help you more, but that sounds like it might interfere with her eating and drinking and that can lead to more problems if it's left untreated.
2007-10-01 10:23:40 · answer #2 · answered by Missy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I once got a cramp in my jaw from grinding my teeth at night. It caused a fair bit of dribbling and pain which I had to concentrate on. I wonder if she'd been chewing on one of those tough rubber toys and got a muscle spasm.
People can get their jaws stuck open from a dislocation of their temporomandibular joint so maybe dogs can get their jaws stuck too
Try googling open mouth jaw locking dogs
It could also be Masticatory Myositis
Good luck (c;
2007-10-01 11:03:37 · answer #3 · answered by redleaf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a strange problem to have.
By all means, have a vet take a look. And check your yard over for things she's chewing: It might provide valuable clues.
Good luck!
2007-10-01 10:27:13 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure but you need to get her to the vet. How is she going to eat and drink?
2007-10-01 10:17:30 · answer #5 · answered by trippystemny 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only one who can really give you that answer would be a vet, soon!
2007-10-01 10:18:56 · answer #6 · answered by Chihuahua Addict Adores Scooby 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry,no I don't.But I would be interested in knowing the answer when you get it.
2007-10-01 10:17:00 · answer #7 · answered by Shar Pei Lady 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry to state the obvious, but take her to the vet please.
Let him or her properly diagnose and treat your dog.
2007-10-01 10:16:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
dislocation
infection
broken bones
2007-10-01 10:17:15 · answer #9 · answered by g g 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋