Bilateral resection arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joints

An English Cocker Spaniel named Dobby likely sustained damage to the temporomandibular joint as a result of an infection. Initially, he had difficulty moving his mouth, and later he became completely unable to open it.

Dobby underwent computed tomography at the Vet CT Center, located on the Kakha Bendukidze Campus. The examination revealed bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Ankylosis is a condition in which movement within a joint becomes impossible due to fusion of the articular bone surfaces.

At Veterinarium, the patient underwent bilateral resection arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joints. Already on the day after surgery, Dobby was able to open his mouth freely and eat independently. 

Because the patient was unable to open his mouth prior to surgery, a temporary tracheostomy was required to allow safe intubation.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, Head Veterinarian at Veterinarium, while anesthesia was successfully managed by the clinic’s anesthesiologist Natia Robakidze. The surgeon was assisted by Mari Kapanadze.