A "jaw drop" - any info appreciated

[ijf 112]

Hi All,

Went out to the kennels tuesday evening and one of the bitches had her mouth open and drooling. Thought first she had swallowed something or got a sting from a wasp but couldn't find anything. Brought to vets and a few quid later after an x-ray etc was told she had trigeminal neuropathy. The vet said it was very rare and had to read up on it herself. Left with 2 weeks of anti inflammatories. 

Anyone else ever see this? Typical time to recover? Are they susceptible to it again? I have a big syringe now for hand feeding and keeping her hydrated but wonder if it is all in vain. 

Any info or experience of it much appreciated. 

 

Google tells me the below. 

A "jaw drop" in dogs, medically known as trigeminal neuropathy or neuritis, refers to the inability to close the mouth due to nerve damage or inflammation. The most common cause is idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy, where the inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, which controls jaw muscles, is of unknown origin. This leads to a dropped jaw, making it difficult for the dog to eat and drink. 

Edited June 5 by ijf

[Bosun11 537]

Nope, never heard of that before. I hope she makes a full recovery...

[chartpolski 26,815]

I’m not saying this is what might have happened to your dog, but I had a lurcher bitch with the same symptoms. 
I couldn’t see what was wrong so took her to the vet. They wanted to do blood tests and x-rays, but luckily the boss vet, who I knew, came in and had a look. 
He felt around the dogs throat then a look down with a torch.

He got some long reach forceps and retrieved a rabbit rib bone that was lodged across her throat. 
Immediate and complete recovery!

Second opinions can’t do any harm.

Hope the dog makes a complete recovery.

Cheers.
 

[DogMagic2 70]

Heres what AI says: 

Trigeminal neuropathy in dogs refers to dysfunction or damage to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which is responsible for sensory innervation of the face and motor control of the jaw muscles (muscles of mastication).

Function of the Trigeminal Nerve in Dogs

The nerve has three branches:

Ophthalmic – sensation to the forehead, eyes, and nose

Maxillary – sensation to the upper jaw, teeth, and nose

Mandibular – sensation to the lower jaw and motor control to the jaw muscles

Trigeminal Neuropathy in Dogs: Overview

Most Common Form:

Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuropathy (also called Trigeminal Neuritis)

Cause: Unknown (presumed to be immune-mediated inflammation)

Onset: Sudden

Prognosis: Excellent; most dogs recover fully within 2–3 weeks

Clinical Signs

The most common sign is:

Bilateral (both sides) jaw paralysis – inability to close the mouth (dog's mouth hangs open)

Other signs may include:

Difficulty eating or drinking

Drooling

Muscle wasting (atrophy) of the temporalis and masseter muscles over time

Rarely, loss of facial sensation or asymmetry

Diagnosis

Based on clinical signs and neurological exam

MRI may be used to rule out tumors or other brainstem/nerve abnormalities

Bloodwork may help rule out infectious or metabolic causes

Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies may be used in specialized cases

Treatment

For idiopathic cases:

Supportive care: hand feeding, assistive drinking, keeping the mouth moist

Monitoring for aspiration or dehydration

In most cases, no specific medication is needed

Recovery typically occurs in 2–4 weeks

If another cause is identified (e.g., tumor, infection, trauma), treatment is directed at that condition.

Prognosis

Idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy: Excellent, with spontaneous recovery

Other causes (tumor, trauma): Varies depending on the severity and underlying issue

Edited June 5 by DogMagic2

[Black neck 16,925]

Sounds a right game that does

[ijf 112]

Thanks @DogMagic2.

 

I will give an update here in a couple weeks. It is a right pain tbh!

[Peter4190 98]

Never heard of it but my missus could do with this, I am sure my missus would still find a way to eat though 

[mitre 187]

Alot health issues you never heard of it's the same with us too problem is you know what vets charge and what treatment and care it all expensive 

[shaaark 11,179]

15 minutes ago, mitre said:

Alot health issues you never heard of it's the same with us too problem is you know what vets charge and what treatment and care it all expensive 

Hello, 'chuckles', I enjoy your replies to posts on this site.