The Feline Oral Cavity Dysphagia Unwillingness or inability to eat is a common complaint heard by a veterinary dentist. Myopathies include masticatory myositis. This may be spontaneous or the result of overextension of the masticatory muscles.
Animals present with moderate to severe pain when opening their mouths.
While the definitive cause is not clearly understood, spontaneous bouts of masticatory myositis can be confirmed with the 2M antibody titers. The prognosis is usually good provided aggressive threapy is started and the animal has a reasonable range of motion. Attempts to force the fibrosed mouth open are discouraged and salvage surgical intervention may be the animal's only hope. Neuropathies include those following trauma, trigeminal neuropathy, and central nervous system disorders. Trauma issues should be obvious based on history and clinical signs.