Open-Mouth Jaw Locking in a Cat: Computed Tomography Diagnosis and Surgical Management - A Case Report

Open-mouth jaw locking in cats is an uncommon condition often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and mandibular symphysis laxity in which mechanical coronoid-zygomatic impingement occurs. This report describes a 5-year-old Persian cat with recurrent right-sided jaw locking. Clinical examination revealed persistent open-mouth posture with mandibular deviation and mild symphyseal laxity. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed ventrolateral displacement of the right coronoid process, bilateral condylar subluxation, condylar flattening and elongation of the right retroarticular process. Due to recurrence, unilateral partial coronoidectomy was performed. Immediate and 8-week postoperative CT demonstrated restoration of mandibular alignment, improved TMJ congruity and resolution of impingement without recurrence. This case highlights the key role of CT in diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up of open mouth jaw locking in cats and supports surgical management in recurrent cases.