PROGNATHISM
Prognathism is a condition in which the lower jaw ( mandible) is longer than the upper jaw, resulting in a mismatched bite and difficulty in taking food.
In puppies, the upper lip may droop over the top jaw making it easy to identify. The teeth may usually be misaligned and project at abnormal angles. In brachycephalic breeds (eg- pugs, boxers), this may be a normal breed characteristic. However, in other breeds, this is an inherited defect and the dogs are not advised for breeding.
This labrador puppy was brought to the Humane Animal Society Clinics for evaluation of reduced food intake. The condition was diagnosed as prognathism. Since it is an inherited condition, there is little that can be done. Avoid breeding such dogs and creating yet another population of puppies with inherited defects.
Possible treatment for prognathism is limited to severe cases where orthodontic manipulations and extraction of teeth may be required. This is done to limit, at least to some extent the difficulty in chewing .
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| Note the short upper jaw and elongated lower jaw (mandible) |
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