ABSTRACT
Dysfunction of chewing, jaw opening, or pain occurring with normal movements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be related to luxation, dislocation, fracture, or other disease affecting this joint. Dogs and cats have two mandibles, which are joined at the symphysis. Cheek teeth is superior for TMJ evaluation than standard radiography, whereas magnetic resonance imaging provides more accurate evaluation of the soft tissues. Every anatomic structure creating the TMJ should be visualized on the obtained radiographs. The body lies in sternal recumbency and the x-ray beam is pointed at the TMJ through the orbit at an 80º angle to the film. A single, large, fibrocartilage pad lies between and is anchored to the smooth areas of the sym- physeal plates. Although osteoarthritis is the most common disease of the TMJ in dogs and the second most common in cats, it is accepted that this is typically secondary to TMJ dysplasia, trauma, or sporadically unilateral mandibulectomy.
