Masticatory Muscle Myositis

Masticatory muscle myositis is a condition where the chewing (mastication) muscles of your dog become inflamed. It is caused when the immune system attacks and destroys a unique muscle fiber in your dog’s head known as 2M.


Masticatory Muscle Myositis Symptoms

Your dog may have trouble opening its mouth. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain when opening the mouth
  • Reluctance to chew or eat
  • Fever
  • Excessive salivation
  • Shrinkage of head muscles
  • Swelling of facial muscles
  • Bulging eyes
  • Protrusion of the third eyelids

Masticatory Muscle Myositis Treatment

The best way for your veterinarian to diagnose masticatory muscle myositis is through a muscle biopsy. Other tests may include a complete blood panel, a 2M-antibody test, or x-rays.

Immune system suppression is the best way to control masticatory muscle myositis. This is usually done through using corticosteroids such as Prednisone. Severely affected dogs may require a feeding tube to provide nutrition until they are able to eat on their own again.

If your dog has masticatory muscle myositis, make sure you feed it soft foods like Lick Your Chops Lamb & Brown Rice Dinner with Carrots and Potatoes , and avoid chew toys.

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