masticular muscle mysosis !!

Vinnie · #1 10-03-10, 11:05 AM

My GSD has developed mastcatory muscle mysosis..I think I have spelt that right!!! She is on a high dose of steroids to get her right again. Does anyone else have a dog that suffers (or has suffered) from this ?? I have never heard of it but apparently it is common in big dogs such as GSD and dobermans. The muscles in her face are being attacked by her immune system as the immune system thinks the muscle is alien and is trying to get rid of it. She is getting a bit boney around her eyes and has had terrible problems opening her mouth to yawn. She has only been opening it a tiny bit and yelps as she is in pain. Luckily, since she has been on the steroids she seems to be getting better and it has never affected her general "happiness". She is still a lunatic !! I would be peased to hear from anyone who has had any experience of this problem. Jo (Vinnie) x

LOVEGSD · #2 10-03-10, 12:06 PM

Sorry I haven't but just wanted to wish you well with her.

lisyonok · #3 10-03-10, 12:30 PM

Sorry, my GSD hasn't had the same condition, but had a similar one - her whole face was covered in huge postules filled with puss, they were itchy, and after she was scratching them, they would bleed. She even had postules on the inside of her eyelids! Her condition was also caused by overractive immune system, and was also treated with steroids. She spent 4 months on steroids, after that I gradually took her off her meds, as she was still very young (1 year old), and I didn't want to keep her on steroids because of the possible side effects. She has not had another episode yet, and although the vet told me it's unlikely to have been a one-off, as her immune system condition is a life-long thing, I have my fingers crossed she won't have to go through it again!
I hope your dog recovers quickly. Ask your vet about immunotherapy, maybe it will help your dog in the long run.

Vinnie · #4 10-03-10, 12:33 PM

Thanks so much foro your replies. Its not a very common affliction but I have read a lot about it on the internet and her symtems were classic. On a lighter note, I have not owned a GSD before but I totally love her although at the moment she is moulting so much, I could make a new dog out of the hair she is shedding..lol x

LOVEGSD · #5 10-03-10, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinnie

Thanks so much foro your replies. Its not a very common affliction but I have read a lot about it on the internet and her symtems were classic. On a lighter note, I have not owned a GSD before but I totally love her although at the moment she is moulting so much, I could make a new dog out of the hair she is shedding..lol x

LOL...we can all relate to the shedding thing, it feels like it's never ending....

Vinnie · #6 10-03-10, 12:43 PM

I know what you mean. I love my Roxy so she has the run of the house (although she is not allowed on the bed or settees) but her hair on the carpets is unbelievable. I can pull great clumps of fluffy stuff out of her trousers and when I brush her, I could fill a bin bag.....lol

LOVEGSD · #7 10-03-10, 12:50 PM

LOL...yep I can do the same with Diesel. When I'm brushing him I end up covered in his fur.

T.C.E · #8 10-03-10, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinnie

I know what you mean. I love my Roxy so she has the run of the house (although she is not allowed on the bed or settees) but her hair on the carpets is unbelievable. I can pull great clumps of fluffy stuff out of her trousers and when I brush her, I could fill a bin bag.....lol

What colour is she? as I could do with a "syrup"

phil_woods · #9 10-03-10, 06:58 PM

I can totally relate to the hair thing. My Sam isn't too bad to be honest but my other dog asty who is a lab/husky sheds all year round and it is amazing what she loses. I wear black trousers for work and some days i swear I wake up and I'm sure she has been wearing my keks in my sleep.
Luckily I have wood floors so I just brush them every few hours. And no I am not joking, they need it that often.