Introduction
Lockjaw in dogs refers to a condition where a dog is unable to fully open or close their mouth. It is also sometimes referred to as trismus or tetanus. Lockjaw prevents the dog from being able to eat, drink, and bite normally. While the condition is rare overall in dogs, certain breeds like Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers seem more prone to developing lockjaw. There are several potential causes of lockjaw in dogs including neurological disorders, trauma, arthritis, and tetanus infection. Lockjaw can be a very serious condition, but there are treatments available if it is caught early.
Breeds Associated with Lockjaw
Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to developing lockjaw due to their jaw structure and strength. Some of the breeds most associated with lockjaw include:
Pit Bulls – Pit bulls have extremely strong jaw and neck muscles. Their bite force allows them to securely grip and hold on, which has led to the misconception that they have “locking jaws.” In reality, there is no physiological “locking” mechanism in a pit bull’s jaw. However, their tendency to bite down and not let go makes them more prone to lockjaw.
Rottweilers – Rottweilers have one of the strongest bite forces of any dog breed. Their strong jaws and neck muscles allow them to maintain a tight grip, contributing to mistaken beliefs around locking jaws. While their jaws do not actually lock, Rottweilers may be more likely to develop lockjaw due to their powerful gripping abilities.
German Shepherds – German Shepherds often use biting and holding behavior for tasks like police work and guard duties. As working dogs, they are bred for strength and apprehension skills. While their jaws do not lock, German Shepherds’ size and jaw strength facilitate firm grips, which can potentially lead to lockjaw symptoms.
Doberman Pinschers – Dobermans were historically bred to be guard dogs and are known for their speed and bite force. However, there is no evidence that Dobermans have anatomical locking jaws. Their tendency toward lockjaw likely stems from their strong jaws and affinity for biting and holding prey when provoked.
Causes of Lockjaw
The most common causes of lockjaw in dogs include:
Tetanus Infection
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle spasms and stiffness. The infection often enters through a wound, but even a minor cut can allow the bacteria to enter. Tetanus can progress rapidly once symptoms start, often leading to lockjaw within 1-2 days (source).
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. One of the classic symptoms of rabies is lockjaw due to spasms and paralysis of the muscles used for swallowing and chewing. Drooling is also common. Rabies is highly fatal once clinical signs appear (source).
Trigeminal Neuritis
Trigeminal neuritis is inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face and motor function for chewing. When this nerve is damaged, it can cause spasms and tightening of the jaw muscles. Trigeminal neuritis has a variety of potential causes, including infection, immune-mediated disease, or injury from trauma or dental disease (source).
Symptoms of Lockjaw
The primary symptom of lockjaw in dogs is the inability to open the mouth due to muscle spasms and stiffness, particularly in the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck. Dogs with lockjaw will appear unable to open their mouth normally. They may drool excessively since they cannot swallow properly.
Muscle contractions and spasms, especially around the head and neck, are another hallmark symptom of lockjaw in dogs. The muscles stiffen and contract involuntarily. This causes the clamping of the jaw that prevents the dog from opening its mouth.
Some sources indicate that muscle atrophy can also occur over time from disuse of the jaw muscles. The muscles start to waste away and stiffen up even more. This exacerbates the inability of the dog to open its mouth.
Lockjaw is often associated with extreme pain and discomfort when the dog tries to open its mouth or chew. The involuntary muscle contractions are also very painful.
Other symptoms may include swelling around the head and neck area, drooling, dehydration from inability to drink, and weight loss from difficulty eating.
Severe cases of lockjaw can lead to breathing difficulties, collapse, and even death if left untreated. So it is critical to get veterinary care immediately if your dog displays an inability to open its mouth.
Diagnosing Lockjaw
If a vet suspects lockjaw, they will perform a thorough physical exam of the dog’s head and mouth to pinpoint the cause. They will check the dog’s range of motion in opening and closing the mouth, palpate the jaw joints and muscles, and look for any swelling, redness, or damage to the teeth and gums.
The vet may also order blood tests to check for signs of infection, muscle damage, or other underlying conditions. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can help identify fractures, dislocations, bone spurs, or tumors affecting the jaw.
According to PetMD, X-rays are very useful for diagnosing lockjaw as they allow vets to visualize the jaw joints and check for any abnormalities. CT scans provide even more detailed 3D images of the bones and soft tissues in the jaw area.
WagWalking notes that exploratory surgery may be needed in some cases to fully determine the cause of persistent lockjaw if it cannot be clearly identified through other diagnostic tests.
Treating Lockjaw
Lockjaw is a serious condition that requires prompt veterinary treatment. The main treatments for lockjaw include:
Antibiotics: Dogs with infectious forms of lockjaw like tetanus will require aggressive antibiotic therapy to fight the infection and prevent it from worsening. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics are typically used.
Sedatives: Sedatives may be administered to control muscle spasms and relax the tightened jaw muscles. Diazepam is commonly used for this purpose.
Anti-inflammatories: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen help reduce pain and inflammation associated with lockjaw.
Supportive care: Dogs with lockjaw often have difficulty eating and swallowing. Supportive care like intravenous fluids, nutritional support, and feeding tubes may be necessary.
The veterinarian will tailor the treatment plan based on the underlying cause and severity of the lockjaw. In less severe cases, a combination of antibiotics, sedatives, and anti-inflammatories allows the jaw muscles to relax over several days. More severe cases require hospitalization with aggressive treatment and supportive care.
Preventing Lockjaw
There are several ways to help prevent your dog from developing lockjaw, including vaccination, avoiding injuries, and regular veterinary visits.
Vaccination is the most important prevention method. Most veterinarians recommend vaccinating puppies with the DHPP vaccine series, which includes protection against tetanus, and revaccinating every 1-3 years. Keeping your dog up-to-date on vaccines can help prevent them from contracting tetanus bacteria and developing lockjaw.
You can also help prevent lockjaw by avoiding injuries to your dog. Since tetanus bacteria often enter the body through wounds, keeping your dog safe from cuts, punctures or bites can lower their risk. Promptly treat any injuries with thorough cleaning and veterinary care.
Regular veterinary checkups are also key. Your vet can examine your dog for signs of infection and monitor their vaccine status. Annual exams and prompt treatment if lockjaw symptoms arise are important prevention measures. With proper vaccination, injury avoidance and veterinary care, you can help keep your dog from developing this serious condition.
Living with a Dog with Lockjaw
Caring for a dog with lockjaw at home can be challenging but is possible with some adjustments. The dog will likely have difficulty eating and drinking due to the inability to open its mouth fully (PetMD). Owners will need to feed the dog a soft food blended into a liquid consistency that can be lapped up or fed through a syringe. Water should also be provided in a bowl low enough for lapping or with a syringe for drinking. Hand feeding for a period of time may be necessary.
Vets often recommend physical therapy sessions to help regain jaw mobility. Gentle exercises like applying warm compresses and massaging the jaw muscles can help relax them (WagWalking). As the condition improves, the vet may recommend gently opening and closing the mouth more to increase range of motion. Acupuncture and laser therapy may also aid recovery.
Since eating is difficult, owners will need to focus on mental stimulation through playtime, training, puzzles, and affection. This provides an outlet for the dog’s energy and prevents boredom. Crating may help limit excessive activity that could strain the jaw muscles. With time and care, many dogs fully recover and regain normal jaw function.
Prognosis for Dogs with Lockjaw
The prognosis for dogs with lockjaw depends on the underlying cause and how quickly treatment is started. In mild cases caused by injury or infection, dogs generally make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks with proper treatment. According to PetMD, with prompt veterinary care including antibiotics, sedatives, and IV fluids, most dogs bounce back completely from tetanus lockjaw within a couple weeks.[1]
For dogs with severe tetanus infections, the prognosis is more guarded. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, mortality rates for canine tetanus range from 20-50% even with aggressive hospital care. Dogs that survive tetanus may take 4-6 weeks to fully recover muscle control and jaw function. However, the long-term prognosis is good for dogs that pull through the acute illness.[2]
With prompt veterinary treatment and supportive care, most dogs with lockjaw caused by minor injuries or localized tetanus infections can make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks. More severe cases carry higher risks but dogs can recover with persistent treatment and physical therapy.
Key Takeaways
Lockjaw is a condition caused by tetanus bacteria that results in muscle stiffness and spasms in the jaw and head. Certain breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers are more often associated with lockjaw due to their strong bite force and tendency to play rough, but any dog can develop it.
Symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth, stiff facial expressions, drooling, and muscle spasms. It’s important to get veterinary care right away if lockjaw is suspected, as it can rapidly progress and become fatal if left untreated.
Prevention through proper vaccination protocols is key. Puppies should receive a series of tetanus shots, and adult dogs require tetanus boosters every 1-3 years depending on risk factors. Prompt wound care and avoiding punctures that can introduce the bacteria are also important preventative measures.
With aggressive treatment including sedatives, muscle relaxers, anti-seizure medications, and antibiotics, dogs have a good chance of making a full recovery from lockjaw as long as it’s addressed quickly. But prevention is the best approach, as lockjaw can be difficult and expensive to treat in affected dogs.