English Mastiff -- Masticatory Myositis

[Jethro]

Hello everyone, I hope someone out there can help me. I have three English Mastiff's and love the breed, but my youngest (he's 2) has just been tested and is being treated for Masticatory Myositis. I read a bit on the internet about this autoimmune disorder and he does exibit many of the signs -- won't eat, can't open mouth very wide, drooling even more than normal, white blood cell count is elevated and is currently on prednisone.

My question to those of you who know about English Mastiffs -- have you heard of this health issue in the breed, what are the likely outcomes since he's not really responding well to the prednisone (he is now staying by himself instead of with us), and is there anything else that you believe could be wrong with him instead of the Masticatory Myositis since he was initially taken in for a swollen eye and then this was uncovered. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. He's my baby and I don't know if there are any vet specialists in the NY/NJ area who are familiar with this problem.

[Luba]

Hi I'm sorry to hear that!

If you got your dog from a breeder I suggest you contact them asap. If from a rescue, check the tattoo'ing and see if the dog was from a reputable breeder and contact them. They may have some information on it for you.

[SSAC]

Sorry to hear this
All I can tell you is that it's an immune mediated, imflammatory condition. The exact cause is unknown. Spotaneous regression can occur, treatment with oral corticosteriods(pred), decreasing dosage, is usually effective. Relapses are commom, and long term meds may be required. (All this I'm sure you know). Nothing I can find states that Mastiffs are pre-disposed. It almost resembles a MS for dogs?

[mastifflover]

Jethro I am so sorry your boy is not well but this is a great link for Mastiff health http://www.redwoodempiremastiffclub.org/ you might find some information there.This vet specializes in Mastiffs. I also belong to an incredible online community this is the link to it register and post your question the people on here are very knowlegable about the breed and if they dont know they will point you in the right direction. Most of these people do rescue and also most own 2 or more Mastiffs. So they are quite informed and have great resources. http://www.mastiffonline.com/