Modified surgical treatment of intermittent open-mouth mandibular locking in a cat.

Intermittent open-mouth locking related to disorders of the temporomandibular joint are not uncommon. As a result of joint laxity, the mandible shifts to one side. The coronoid process then becomes locked lateral to the zygomatic arch. These patients present with the mouth opened and an inability to close the mouth. This article describes a case of intermittent open-mouth mandibular locking in a cat and a modified surgical treatment combining zygomatic arch and coronoid process reduction.