My senior dog can't open his mouth wide or yawn. What's the cause?

Question

My 15 year old dog has a problem to open his mouth widely, he can yawn halfway only. He was examined thoroughly and nothing. What can I do? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 14 years and 10 months old

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

There is a condition in older dogs called masticatory myositis. It is an auto immune disease where, for some reason, the immune system attacks the muscles of the cheek. In the early stages, it hurts when the muscles of the cheeks move, and it is pain that stops the mouth from opening. Over time, ongoing damage causes scar tissue to from that stops the muscle from stretching. It could be that Pelu has this condition, and it is treatable with high doses of steroids. I can't say for certain this is what is preventing him from yawning, but you could speak to your vet to see if this could be a cause.

My senior dog can't open his mouth wide or yawn. What's the cause?

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