My dog's jaw is sore and won't open. Vet has no answers. Help!

I’m sorry Oscar is dealing with this. He is quite a handsome guy! Pain opening the mouth can be caused by a few thing including infections or an autoimmune disease called masticatory muscle myositis (MMM). I would have Oscar evaluated by his veterinarian. They may be able to get an idea based on their exam, and they can also do special blood testing for MMM. They can start Oscar on medication as indicated to help him be much more comfortable. In the meantime continue feeding him very soft foods. Hope he is feeling much better soon!

Poor Marley! It sounds like he may be suffering from an autoimmune disease called masticatory muscle myositis (MMM). This inflammatory disease affects the chewing muscles in the dog, and causes the muscle around the mouth to atrophy. It becomes painful for the dog to open their mouth. This can be treated with high dose steroids, which can be prescribed by your vet. This condition can cause dogs to not eat and lose weight, so I would take Marley into your vet as soon as you can.

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.

Trismus is the medical term for the condition more commonly called “lockjaw.” It is actually spasms of the chewing muscles which make it hard to open the mouth. A common cause for trismus in dogs is a condition called masticatory muscles myositis (MMM), or inflammation of the muscles of mastication (chewing). The inflammation is caused by an immune mediated attack on the muscles, leading to trismus and wasting away of the muscles at the top of the affected dog’s head. Trismus can also be caused by trauma or conditions such as fractures, dislocation, and arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the joint where the upper and lower jaws connect. I would recommend to take the dog to be checked by a vet and please if another episode of 'lockjaw' happens video the episode to show the vet.

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!

These are very serious signs and indicate dehydration and also possibly an injury or fracture to the jaw. He should receive urgent veterinary assessment in order to assess the jaw and start appropriate treatment in order to maximise the chance of a full recovery

There is a condition in older dogs called masticatory myositis. It is an auto immune disease where, for some reason, the immune system attacks the muscles of the cheek. In the early stages, it hurts when the muscles of the cheeks move, and it is pain that stops the mouth from opening. Over time, ongoing damage causes scar tissue to from that stops the muscle from stretching. It could be that Pelu has this condition, and it is treatable with high doses of steroids. I can't say for certain this is what is preventing him from yawning, but you could speak to your vet to see if this could be a cause.