Canine Craniomandibular Osteopathy: Review

Abstract

The mandibular cranial osteopathy (MCO) is a degenerative, osteopetrotic, self-limiting, non-neoplastic bone disorder, with no sexual predilection, which rarely affects dogs in the pre-pubertal stage. The most predisposed breeds are the Terries featured in the West Highland Terrier. The clinical signs are variable depending on the altered bones and degree of involvement. Among the most common are fever, mouth opening pain, jaw enlargement, hyporexia and sialorrhea. The bones of the skull are the most damaged, especially the mandibular, temporomandibular joints and tympanic sounds. The diagnosis of this condition is based on the clinical, histopathological and radiographic findings. The most radiographic changes are increased radiopacity and volume of mandibles and tympanic sounds. Its treatment is symptomatic, having as its main point pain control and nutritional support. The prognosis is heterogeneous. Patients may experience complete remission of the condition in weeks or undergo euthanasia due to ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint.