Physiotherapy-Induced Recovery of Jaw Dysfunction and Facial Asymmetry in a Bulldog: A Case Report

Background: The muscles of mastication are important for jaw movement, ingestion, and swallowing the food. Facial asymmetry, drooling, and dysphagia are examples of structural and functional issues that can result from unilateral atrophy of these muscles. The trigeminal nerve sends sensory input to the ipsilateral face and controls motor function of the masticatory muscles. Neurological disorders, like idiopathic neuropathies and neuritis, can lead to facial asymmetry and masticatory dysfunction. Methods: A ۵-year-old Bulldog with right-sided facial atrophy, drooling, and difficulty swallowing was given two intramuscular injections of methylprednisolone two weeks apart. Physiotherapy began with ۵ minutes of infrared therapy to improve circulation, followed by Faradic electrotherapy (۰.۵–۲ mA, ۵ s stimulation/۲ s rest for ۱۰ min) and low-level laser therapy (۸۳۰ nm, ۱۵۰ mW, ۱۰ J/cm², ۱۰۰ Hz, ۱۹۶ s over ۱۴ points). Results: In addition to mild contrast enhancement and thickening of the trigeminal nerve, especially at the ophthalmic branch, CT imaging showed severe atrophy of the right temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles. Trigeminal neuropathy and, less frequently, masticatory myositis were included in the differential diagnosis. Following three weeks of physical therapy, the dog's condition significantly improved. Drooling stopped, swallowing function returned to normal, jaw movement returned to normal, and facial symmetry improved. Conclusion: Within three weeks, neuromuscular function and facial symmetry were successfully enhanced by combined physiotherapy, which included laser and electrotherapy. Early physiotherapeutic intervention alongside corticosteroid therapy can accelerate recovery and enhance the quality of life in dogs with masticatory dysfunction due to neuropathy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Trigeminal neuropathy ، Facial asymmetry ، Physiotherapy ، Jaw dysfunction ، Bulldog