Why is my dog struggling to open its mouth and jaw is sunken?

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 Brody has this condition, and it is treatable with high doses of steroids. I can't say for certain this is what is causing him pain when he opens his mouth, but you could speak to your vet to see if this could be a cause.

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!

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.

I'm wondering if Mopar is suffering from masticatory muscle myositis. This is an immune system disorder in which the dog's immune system identifies the dog's own muscle tissue as foreign and attacks it. This causes the sunken in appearance on the face. Because he has a good appetite, I think it's fine to wait until Monday to have him seen but do not wait any longer than that. I hope this helps!

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.

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!

Poor Lexie! Crying while opening the mouth makes me primarily concerned about either masticatory myositis or a tooth root abscess (particularly since she also has eye discharge). If she is still painful while opening her mouth, has difficulty eating, or has further changes in her eye discharge, Lexie should go back to her vet for further evaluation. A course of steroids is typically needed to treat masticatory myositis (essentially swelling of the muscles that aid in opening the mouth), whereas antibiotics and a tooth extraction would be needed if a tooth root abscess (infection) is diagnosed. I hope that all goes well!