dog jaw movement

Question
Hello Dr. Fry -

I have a 6 year old toy yorkshire terrier and, from time to time, he just sits and moves his jaw up and down, as if he was talking.  The movement looks a lot like a vantriliquist's dummy.  These periods usually last about 30 seconds and then stop.

Is this normal or if not, any idea why he does this?

Thank you.

Don

Answer
Don,

It is not normal.  It is probably a mild form of a seizure.  I would recommend a complete blood screen to check his blood sugar, electrolytes, thyroid, calcium, kidney and liver to make sure there are no underlying abnormalities leading to the chattering.  If the bloodwork is normal, then I would just monitor him.

Best wishes,
Dr. Fry