- Type Disease
Musculoskeletal
- Name
Masticatory Muscle Myositis - eosinophilic myositis
- Abbreviation
MMMx
- Description
This disease affects the masticatory muscles - the large muscles on the top and sides of the head which act to close the jaw. These muscles have a unique muscle protein composition. Masticatory muscle myositis is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the unique muscle protein found in the masticatory muscles. This causes the muscles to become painful and swollen initially, and the muscles will atrophy as the disease progresses. Opening the mouth is particularly painful.
- How Transferred
Unknown.
- What to Look for
Many dogs affected with masticatory muscle myositis will improve with drug therapy.\n\n
- Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will suspect this disease if your dog has painful, swollen masticatory muscles, with pain on opening the jaw. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a muscle biopsy to examine the cells with a microscope. Special techniques may be used to test for specific antibodies.\n\n
- Treatment
Affected dogs are usually treated medically, with glucocorticoids such as prednisone. Most dogs improve with drug therapy, although the treatment may be long-term.
- Breeding Considerations
Affected animals should not be bred.\n
- Known Breeds Affected
German shepherd
