I know of a couple cases of spontaneous jaw dislocation in basset hounds. One had surgery to release a locked jaw. I have also heard of what is referred to as "wry mouth."
In doing a bit of research I came up with the following that mentions jaw problems found in bassets:
Instability of the temporomandibular joint may cause problems of clicking or catching of the coronoid process of the mandible on the zygomatic arch. When this occurs, the animal may be unable to close its mouth, a condition that is both painful and frustrating. Manipulative reduction can allow normal closure of the mouth, but any wide excursion such as a yawn may repeat the syndrome. Surgical correction of the problem has been undertaken by removing that part of the zygomatic arch that interferes or removing the coronoid process of the mandible to alleviate this interference. The problem has been reported in bassett hounds without associated fracture.
This information is from the
International Veterinary Information Service
I don't know if wry mouth is related to the above condition but it occurs when
One side of the jaw has grown longer than the other, causing it to ³bend² to one side resulting in alocclusion of the teeth in the front of the jaw. This is sometimes hard for people who haven¹t seen it to envision. Move your own jaw from side to side. Put it to one side and hold it there.. (Remember that a dog does not have lateral movement in its jaws as we do.) This is wry mouth.
From
Wry Mouth
It doesn't seem as if Otis is bothered by the "clicking" so I would follow the advise of my veterinarian along with the breeder. And if surgery is suggested get a second opinion. It's important to keep the breeder informed and in fact I'd not do anything, unless it's an emergency, without first checking with them.
Keep us posted. I'm sure Otis will be fine.
[ September 29, 2003, 01:58 PM: Message edited by: Barbara Winters ]
