Jaw Bone Disease in a Miniature Poodle

There are some jawbone diseases that are specific to certain breeds due to congenital problems that occur within the line; however, many of these diseases can strike dogs of any breed.

Identification

Jawbone disorders can have an effect on the health of the dog. Dogs can have difficulty eating, have jaw pain or have increased problems with trauma and damage to the jaw.

Overshot Jaw

Any breed of dog can suffer from an overshot jaw. This occurs when the top jaw is much longer than the bottom jaw. This can result in the teeth being misaligned and may produce digestive disturbances due to food not being chewed properly.

Masticatory Muscle Myositis

Masticatory muscle myositis is a disease that affects muscle control of the dog's jaw. The muscles in the jaw shrink and can eventually prevent the dog's mouth from opening properly. This disorder is often seen in German shepherds, English pointers, spaniels and, occasionally, miniature poodles.

Effects

Jawbone diseases may have an adverse effect on the health of your dog. A dog may not be able to get adequate nutrition if there is pain in the jaw that prevents it from eating well. It is always important to use a high-quality dog food for dogs that suffer from these conditions.

Considerations

There are some jawbone disease that are not serious and do not have an effect on the quality of the dog's life. Dogs that suffer from jawbone diseases may not be used for breeding but can still make wonderful pets. Consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and for instructions on how to care of your dog.

References

• Canine Health Problems By Breed
• Jawbone Disorders In Dogs
• Poodle Information