My 14 week old puppy has MMM  and we are looking for as much info as possible. The bloodwork is done in America and after 3 weeks is not back. Every day she getsworse and it breaks my heart . She is happy in herself but can only open her mouth a few cm so she is hand fed soft food. Even my vet seems to know a limited amount which is a big worry. Any help please . She is a king charles cavalier which apparantly can sometimes have this condition

im sorry,i cant help but i just wanted to say hope your results are through now,this must be terrible for you.

Hi

If you want to PM me I have experience of this condition

Diane

"Myositis" is a general term for inflammation of the muscles. Immune-mediated diseases are conditions in which the immune system may over-react or start attacking the body. MMM has also been known as eosinophilic myositis or atrophic myositis. The inability to open the mouth is called "trismus".

This condition is limited to the masticatory muscles because they have a molecular structure, called 2M muscle fibers, which are found nowhere else in the dog's body. Masticatory myositis results when the immune system's antibodies specifically target these 2M muscle fibers.

It is important to begin therapy of the MMM-affected dog as early as possible, so that the acute stage does not progress to the chronic stage.  However, treatment should not begin before thorough testing and diagnosis.

The standard course of treatment consists of heavy, lengthy doses of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, until the dog's jaw seems to open normally. Then, the doses may be lowered gradually over six to nine months. If the medication is discontinued too early, the dog may be expected to relapse. So, sufficient dosages of corticosteroids need to be given and for a sufficient period of time. MMM is known to respond well initially to corticosteroid therapy, but a relapse usually will occur if the treatment is discontinued prematurely. In some cases, the drug cannot ever be completely stopped.

Is it just me or are we hearing a lot more dogs suffering from  Myositis in the last few months.

Sorry to hear about your young pup ... I have 2 friends different breeds (one my own breed) who have been diagnosed with M ... sadly it is a very long drawn out process of medication to get the dog stable ... I presume the vet has started the treatment after taking the bloods.. good luck and big hugs to your puppy.

> Is it just me or are we hearing a lot more dogs suffering from  Myositis in the last few months

No not just you, Im hearing of more and more cases. There is a DNA test for elimination of carriers but it has a 15% failure rate.

just wanted to ask if MM has effects on the jaw only, does it ever cause problems in the eye on the affected side? ie swollen, runny, blood shot etc?

Its affects the 2M muscle fibres in the jaw

Diane

Thanks Diane, is there swelling in the face at all. My girl got a sore eye suddenly on sunday, and then monday she yelped when she tried to open her mouth, she has a slight swelling on the side of her face and when i put pressure on it she snapped at me (very unlike her). My vet seemed to think she may have an abscess brewing and advised hot packs every hr which i have done for two days and she is much improved, but is still reluctant to open her mouth to a full yawn? Her eye is still a bit red and bloodshot but she is eating better and hasnt yelped since monday.

I thought she may of had an insect bite or sting and had a reaction but the painful jaw and only on one side is worrying me which is why i wondered if MM shows any signs or symptoms in the eyes or if the only sign is a painful mouth and does it affect both sides of the jaw?
Am hoping that as she has improved a little each day that she has had a bite or sting or an injury inside her mouth maybe from a piece of bone and that it will resolve without the need to sedate her to check inside her mouth fully which is what i will do if it doesnt settle on its own.

Thanks again

Could you pease tell me how your dog is now as mine has been diagonised with mmm!