EVDF OSLO NORWAY 2025

Research Sessions and Case Reports

Computed tomographic characteristics of craniomandibular osteopathy in 20 dogs

L. A. Pérez López 1*, J. C. Almansa Ruiz 1,2,3, G. Steenkamp 2, A. Holdsworth 1
1 Davies Veterinary Specialists, Hitchin, United Kingdom
2 Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
3 Bristol Veterinary Specialists, Bristol, United Kingdom 

Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) is a proliferative, self limiting, non neoplastic disease of growing dogs characterised by excessive new bone formation on the skull and mandible. The radiographic findings of CMO are well described; however, limited reports of the computed tomographic (CT) appearance are available. This research aims to characterise the spectrum of CT findings that can occur with CMO. The study is retrospective, descriptive, multicenter, and includes 20 cases. Age at presentation ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months, with no sex predisposition. Scottish terriers were overrepresented (65%); other breeds included Cairn terrier, Jack Russell terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, labrador retriever, golden retriever, akita and Slovakian roughhaired pointer (one of each breed). Terrier breeds represented 80% (16/20) of the patient cohort. The most severe CT changes were seen in Scottish terriers. CT allows for detailed characterisation of the bony changes associated with CMO, including the effects occurring secondary to osteoproliferation surrounding the tympanic bullae such as TMJ impingement, external ear canal stenosis, and nasopharyngeal narrowing. Osteoproliferation affecting the cranium and the presence of osteolysis were seen more frequently in this study than previously reported in CMO. References available upon request.