Non-surgical correction of temporomandibular dislocation

A six-year-old, Dobermann was presented with the history of inability to take food and water. The dog was off feed and unable to hold the food/liquid. The animal was examined physically. Palpation revealed freely movable lower mandibular joint. There was incomplete closure of lower jaw with slight lateral movement. The dog was sedated with siquil and anaesthetized with Thiopental sodium, and was placed in ventral recumbency. Oral cavity was kept open by nylon slings pulling apart in slanting position of the head. Radiographs were taken from both the sides of the temporomandibular joints to know the dislocation. Radiographs revealed dislocation of left temperomandibular joint. The dog was positioned in right lateral recumbency. A wooden roller of 1 inch diameter was placed in between the jaws. The wooden roller was used as fulcrum to place the head of the mandible in to the socket from where it was displaced. Tight muzzle was applied for 30 days. The muzzle was removed only during the feeding time. The owner was adviced to keep the dog indoor to avoid barking.