I have a problem with my Dogue De Bordeaux Red who is now 18 months old. I have noticed that over the last couple of months when he yawns and shut his mouth two things are happening, at the full yawn his jaw clicks loudly and he sometimes flinches very slightly which to me indicates it gives him some discomfort. And the other problem is that his left upper canine is rubbing on the lower left canine. When his mouth is closed there is no contact, but as he opens and closes his mouth (at about an inch or so open) the top and bottom canines are rubbing together. This is now causing both teeth to wear down (upper on the inside and the lower on the outside), and the upper canine now looks as though it has reached the inner layer as there appears to be another layer now being worn away. I appreciate I will have to go to the vets about this but I want to go armed with as much information as I can before speaking to him. If I have the upper canine removed will this cause him any further complications?

First thing is to contact the breeder to see if it is a problem that has appeared in any other of the litter siblings. They may also be able to advise if this is a common problem with the breed and what the usual course of action is. A vet may not know if there is something specific to this breed. If there is nothing specific then they may recommend removing one set of the canines to make things more comfortable. As for the clicking, that sounds like the jaw is slipping and it can be painful. Again - the breeder may be able to help.

hth

Pam n the boys