Why can't my dog chew or drink? Jaw problem after vet visit.

Jaw problems can be difficult to diagnose without a CT scan of the head. Keep an eye on her and monitor her eating and drinking habits. If you notice the condition getting worse contact your veterinarian and discuss referral to a veterinary specialist such as a neurologist.

With signs of muscle weakness, I would definitely have her tested for a condition called Myasthenia Gravis. This is an immune mediated disorder that can cause a multitude of symptoms including facial weakness, regurgitation, neck weakness and exercise intolerance. It can be tested through your vet and also treated for. The only other possible cause that comes to mind for a pet with muscle weakness and a tight jaw, would be tetanus, but you would expect a multitude of other symptoms including vomiting, fever, severe lethargy and inappetence. I hope that they can find out the cause soon! If she still comes up negative for anything after the additional test, then I would consider an MRI or CT scan on Xena moving forward. Best wishes and take care.

It sounds like there could be a potential problem. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. In the meantime I would try blending her food into an oatmeal type consistency to see if she is able to eat more comfortably if she doesnt have to chew. Jaw pain, tooth pain, or swallowing difficulties could all be possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Poor Thor! I am concerned that he could have a problem with the nerve that innervates his tongue or he could have something like masticatory myositis which affects the muscles of the jaw. Usually with masticatory myositis, the dog will be painful when the mouth is fully opened. If the antibiotics and steroids do not help than consider taking him to a veterinary neurologist or internal medicine specialists for a work up and treatment. If he is not able to drink than your vet can give him subcutaneous fluids to help keep him hydrated.Hope he feels better soon!

It’s possible he has pain in his neck. This can be from a compressed or calcified disc or an infection in the vertebra. I recommend to have him examined again by the veterinarian with deep palpation of the neck. He may need a radiograph as well. If a lesion is discovered, he will start medication and likely pain management. I hope this helps.

So sorry that Babe is not feeling well. There is nothing we can tell you to do at home to help this situation. You need to get her to a vet ASAP for an exam. Are there no emergency vets in your area? You need to have a diagnosis of why she is having problems swallowing before we can give you any information on how to help her. Some options are: 1. myasthenia gravis 2. hypothyroidism 3. megaesophagus 4. autoimmune disorder 5. foreign body Of course there are many other rule-outs too. My suggestion for right now is to NOT offer her any food as if she can't swallow properly she may end up aspirating some food into her trachea and down into her lungs. That can cause pneumonia which would be very serious. Dogs can go days without eating so I don't think that will harm her that much. She does need water though so offer her only small sips of water at a time, again, so she doesn't aspirate. Get her to a vet ASAP. She sounds very sick and since she is in pain it would be best to get her some relief. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It's highly likely to be a teeth problem, either something stuck in his gums causing an inflammation or a bad tooth that needs to be removed, you will need to take him to the vet ASAP (it can wait for tomorrow) in order to get it checked and treated, bring him to the vet fasting (8 hours) in case they need to sedate him to the check the oral cavity or do a dental procedure.