Masticatory Myositis

[Sharon]

Anyone have any experience with this disease?

[birddogger2]

Yes I have. My youngest dog had symptoms about a year ago. He was about 3. I noticed he wasn't acting right... he yelped in pain when he went to grab a chew toy and such. When I tried to check out his mouth area he yelped in pain when I attempted to open it.

My large animal recommended for us to go to a local clinic for testing and treatment. She was pretty sure it was MM, based on what I had told her but wanted the dog worked up ASAP. Apparently with MM... time is of the essence.

They did some blood work and started treatment with a shot of Dexamethazone and a course of Prednisone as well as ten days of Clavamox. In about a week he was fine. Blood work all came thru fine. No problems with it since.

RayG

[Sharon]

Well that is good to hear; thank you.

Testing( for the antibodies) -for my dog, 7 years old - started today and of course I'm upset about it. He also has a lump on his head; may be the temporalis muscle.

10 days I should know. When it comes to dogs it always seem like a problem for me sooner or later...... not to mention the BIG bucks.

[dog dr]

dont wean down off the steroids too fast... thats the only issue ive ever had with treating it.

[Sharon]

Really appreciate your advice. We are very lucky to have you on here.

[marysburg]

Sharon, what was the outcome for your dog?

[Sharon]

Well , we're back at stage 1. It was not Masticatory Myositis. Lump on his head is still the size of a big plum.
A new blood/fluid test has been sent to a pathologist. Expecting the results maybe to day or Monday.
Cancer is now a possibility ; I hope not, but trying to prepare mentally for whatever.
Dog is still suffering some- on pain meds though.
He's always loved his dog bones, but now can only carry them around - can't bite down. Hard to watch.

Thanks for asking; I appreciate it.

[Sharon]

update:

not cancer.....FNAs done twice- biopsy/chest x ray next, as the lump is accompanied by heavy duty coughing/choking.

We'll know Friday. Could be blastomycosis.

[marysburg]

What an ordeal for both you and the dog. It's so frustrating when the doctors don't really know what is causing the dog so much distress. Hope he can hang in there until they get it figured out.

[Sharon]

today's info from the vet: Problem isn't just on the bone but in the skull. Tumor or cyst?? Find out next week.

[ex28]

Hope it all works out.

[Sharon]

Well, it is a low grade tumor.....Apocrine adenomas in a sweat gland. Very uncommon. They grow slowly and there is no chance of recurrence following Cat scan, surgical extirpation. He sees the specialist surgeon on Nov.11
Appreciate the PMs/posts I've received; thank you.

[shags]

Sharon, sorry to hear that it was a tough diagnosis. Day by day, may they be good ones.

[Sharon]

For those who have been asking:

Before we could get the CAT scan done , the tumor has reached the brain; seizures have started.

We'll be putting my buddy down soon. He's only 7; I'd counted on him until 14. Still believe God knows best.

[shags]

So sorry to see this, Sharon.
It's been a tough year for you
Peace and strength to you and yours.

[weimdogman]

Sharon sorry to hear this bad news. Take comfort in knowing you have done everything you could. I am sure your guy had great life in the time you were together.

[cjhills]

Sharon:
Sad times.
Sorry.......Cj

[birddogger2]

Sharon -

Just read this thread through.

I am SO sorry to hear what happened. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

It never gets any easier...does it? "bleep".

RayG

[mask]

Truly sorry to hear. Even though you know what to expect it is still heart breaking. Thinking of you. Bill