Trigeminal Neuritis

Trigeminal neuritis is a condition affecting one of the major nerves that controls the muscles used to close the jaw. When this nerve becomes inflamed, dogs lose the ability to bring their jaw up normally, which often appears suddenly and can look quite dramatic—the mouth hangs open, and eating or drinking in the usual way becomes difficult or impossible. Owners most commonly notice that their dog's jaw has dropped and won't close, sometimes with drooling or difficulty picking up food. The tongue may hang out, and there may be concern about pain, choking, or whether the dog will be able to eat at all. Despite the striking appearance, many dogs remain alert and interested in food, though managing it becomes a mechanical challenge. This page explores the signals that may appear when this nerve is affected, what is understood about why inflammation occurs, how the condition is investigated and distinguished from other causes of jaw weakness, and the approaches used to support dogs while the nerve recovers. The course and outlook vary, and the page presents what is known about timeframes, complications, and the range of experiences owners may encounter.