Successful treatment of temporomandibular joint luxation in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) via bilateral coronoidectomy and condilectomy

Background

Successful surgical outcomes for temporomandibular joint luxation in rabbits are not well documented in the veterinary literature.

Case description

A 5-month-old male rabbit presented to a referral hospital following a traumatic incident 48 hours prior, that resulted in an inability to prehend food. At physical examination the mouth could not physically close and no crepitus was present. The open mouth was apparent during the physical examination. Computed tomography revealed a bilateral temporomandibular joint luxation. A closed reduction under general anesthesia was unsuccessful, resulting in an open surgical reduction, with bilateral coronoidectomy and condilectomy.

Conclusions and case relevance

The surgery facilitated mouth closure and return of the patient's ability to eat, which has continued now thirty-three months post-surgery. This case illustrates a long-term, successful surgical management of bilateral temporomandibular joint luxation in a pet rabbit.