Jodi Silverman

MMM - Masticatory Muscle Miositis

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Jodi Silverman
, 13th November 2012 at 05:15 PM (2354 Views)
My Cav puppy developed MMM 3 weeks after her 2nd set of shots. Her blood serum was tested by a lab and MMM was confirmed. She is now on a special anti-rejection steroid. Although her condition was "Chronic" when diagnosed (jaw nearly completely locked), she has responded well to treatment. She can open her mouth wide enough to carry a golf ball around and although her face "hallowed" the muscles have filled back in. She's a little over 10 pounds now. DOB February 27th, 2012.

MY QUESTION: Has anyone else had a Cav with this condition, who was chronic when diagnosed? If so, at what age did your dog develop it and how did your dog fare?

According to research, she must be kept on the steroid regiment until just after her first birthday. If she relapses, she'll have to be put down. What I can't find, despite hours of internet searching, is how many dogs who've reached the chronic stage before treatment was started survive? The articles I've read all say the prognosis is "Not as good as it is for dogs who were treated before the chronic stage." How much "Not as good" is the real question no research article will tell me.

I'd really appreciate your input, regardless of whether it's encouraging or brutal. I need to know. Thank you for reading this.

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  1. Karlin's Avatar
    Hi Jodi:

    You have posted this as a blog post, which people are not as likely to read or respond to as when you post a normal thread into the Health and Diet forum on the actual board. I'd recommend doing that as I think a lot of people will miss this otherwise.

    We have had people here in the past who had dogs with this. Sadly it is another of those things that is not rare enough in this breed and vets have said it is just about only seen in such young dogs, in this breed alone.

    Most cavaliers I know of that have had this have done fine. I only recall one that did not do well.

    There's information on this condition at www.cavalierhealth.org

    Be sure to send the breeder the vet's diagnosis of this. A good breeder will really want this information to help them make important decisions about their breeding programme. A poor breeder should be informed so that they know they are breeding dogs that are getting this condition. I always recommend sending this type of diagnosis by registered mail so that you are sure the breeder got it. In some states you may have recourse to getting some money back for a puppy that has health problems.

    Have you asked your vet the question about 'chronic' vs pre chronic recovery?
  2. Jodi Silverman's Avatar
    Thank you, Karlin - I just got here & don't know how to start a "Thread" - I'll go read a bit more and hopefully do it right next time. Thanks for pointing this out! I will also check out the web site you left me - Thanks again!!!
  3. Jodi Silverman's Avatar
    Yes, I've been to this web site - it's one of the "Dogs not diagnosed until the chronic phase have a less promising prognosis..." but don't say how less promising. I hate vague generalities and that's all I'm getting.
  4. RodRussell's Avatar
    Cavaliers are one of the few breeds with more than its fair share of MMM. Dr. Diane Shelton of the University of California at San Diego has specialized in this disorder. Her website is http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/

    On this webpage of cavalierhealth.org -- http://www.cavalierhealth.org/mastic...e_myositis.htm -- there are a few case studies of cavaliers with tthe disorder. It is a particularly nasty disease.
  5. RodRussell's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Jodi Silverman
    Yes, I've been to this web site - it's one of the "Dogs not diagnosed until the chronic phase have a less promising prognosis..." but don't say how less promising. I hate vague generalities and that's all I'm getting.

    Jodi, that is pretty much a direct quote from a study. The study is not any more specific than that. I suggest that you contact Dr. Shelton through her website -- http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/question.html -- and ask your questions to her and her staff.
  6. RodRussell's Avatar
    Jodi, here is a link to a rather informative article about MMM by Dr. Shelton and others, that is on her website: http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/pub...ons/Melmed.pdf
  7. Karlin's Avatar
    Rod gave some great advice. On posting -- there's a FAQ on all that on the menu bar at the top left of the page which should help!