First report of craniomandibular osteopathy in a Newfoundland dog: CT findings and clinical outcome

Craniomandibular Osteopathy in a Newfoundland Dog

Valentina Ferrarese; Veerle Volckaert; Simone Kirby

Background

Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) is a non-neoplastic, proliferative bone disease that primarily affects the bones of the skull in young dogs, most commonly terrier breeds. It typically presents between 3 and 12 months of age with painful mandibular and maxillary enlargement, lethargy, and difficulty eating. Although CMO has been described in many breeds, it has not previously been reported in Newfoundland dogs. This case report aimed to describe the clinical presentation, computed tomographic features, management, and outcome of CMO in a Newfoundland dog .

Methods

A 5-month-old female Newfoundland dog was evaluated for lethargy and bilateral mandibular and maxillary swelling. Clinical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, and blood gas analysis were performed, followed by computed tomography of the head and neck under general anaesthesia. Imaging findings were assessed for distribution and characteristics of periosteal new bone formation. The dog was managed medically, and serial clinical follow-up examinations were conducted over a 16-week period, with additional owner-reported follow-up thereafter.

Results

Computed tomography revealed bilateral, largely symmetrical periosteal new bone formation affecting the ventral aspects of both mandibular bodies, with milder involvement of the vertical rami and focal proliferative changes at the rostral maxillae near the canine tooth apices. Mild thickening of the frontal and parietal bones was also present, while the temporomandibular joints were not involved. Clinical signs improved with analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy using meloxicam and paracetamol. Over sequential follow-ups, the dog showed stabilization and then marked improvement, with reduction in mandibular and maxillary swellings and resolution of discomfort. By 16 weeks, the maxillae appeared nearly normal, and mandibular enlargement was substantially reduced.

Limitations

This report describes a single case, limiting generalizability. Histopathological confirmation was not performed, as imaging findings, signalment, and clinical course were considered characteristic of CMO. Repeat imaging was not obtained during long-term follow-up, relying instead on clinical assessment and owner report.

Conclusions

This case represents the first reported instance of craniomandibular osteopathy in a Newfoundland dog. Clinical presentation and CT findings were consistent with previously described cases in other breeds. Medical management focused on pain control resulted in a favourable outcome, with regression of clinical signs as the dog matured. The report expands the known breed spectrum of CMO and supports computed tomography as a valuable diagnostic tool for characterizing lesion distribution and excluding temporomandibular joint involvement in suspected cases.

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