Reduction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation in a horse - case report

Abstract

Luxation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in horses, despite being an uncommon condition, is often associated with local trauma involving the head. Its clinical importance is mainly related to the painful injury and impairment of the multiple movements involved in chewing and breaking foods. The objective of the current work is to describe the manual reduction technique of TMJ dislocation in a 6-year-old Mangalarga Marchador stallion with a history of inability to close the oral cavity and lateral displacement of the mandible. In the radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluation of the region a rostral displacement of the mandibular condyle was observed. Manual reduction was effective with the patient under dissociative anesthesia, progressing to medical discharge within 12 days.