When Bentley, a 1-year-old English Golden Retriever, came in for a routine neuter procedure, his veterinary team discovered something unusual—he couldn’t open his mouth. The inability to open the jaw, medically known as trismus, can point to several underlying conditions, some of which can be serious or even painful for pets.

Bentley was referred to Dr. Doug Winter, our board-certified veterinary dental specialist at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital of Wichita (VESH), for further evaluation and care.

Investigating the Cause: Imaging and Diagnosis

One possible concern was masticatory muscle myositis (MMM)—an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the muscles used for chewing and opening the mouth. To investigate further, a CT scan was performed, which is a powerful diagnostic tool commonly used to assess oral and maxillofacial issues like jaw fractures, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease, tumors, or inflammatory conditions.

What the CT scan revealed was surprising: Bentley’s right lower jaw (mandible) had fused to the base of his skull (temporal bone). This abnormal bone fusion prevented him from opening his mouth, which explained why intubation had been impossible during his neuter attempt and why he was barely able to eat or drink.

This type of fusion is rare and likely the result of prior trauma, possibly when Bentley had a minor accident running into a wall during play. Although he had only vocalized briefly at the time and seemed fine afterward, irregular bone growth over time caused a complete restriction in jaw movement.

A Surgical Solution: Segmental Mandibulectomy

To restore normal jaw function, Dr. Winter developed a surgical plan tailored to Bentley’s unique condition. Because of the fused area near the base of the jaw, the team performed a caudal right segmental mandibulectomy—a specialized dental surgery where a small portion (about 1 to 1.5 cm) of the jawbone is carefully removed in front of the fusion.

This procedure creates enough space between the fused bones to allow the jaw to move freely again. Intubation for the procedure was successfully performed using a small endoscope, and the surgery went smoothly.

A Joyful Outcome

The results were immediate and heartwarming: Bentley can now open his mouth without restriction! He’s back to eating comfortably, drinking water with ease, playing with his favorite toys, and according to his family, he’s now barking louder than ever. 🐾

Specialized Dentistry Can Change Lives

Bentley’s case is a powerful reminder of how advanced dental diagnostics and surgery can dramatically improve a pet’s quality of life. Oral health issues aren’t always obvious—but with the right tools, specialists, and collaborative care, we can uncover hidden problems and provide lasting solutions.