Myositis in dogs: classification, probable causes and treatment methods

Myositis is a common pathology of skeletal muscles that develops as a result of an inflammatory process. The muscle fibers swell and swell, which is accompanied by pain. The pet avoids sudden movements, and in some cases refuses to go for a walk or even get up.

One muscle, for example the biceps femoris muscle, or an entire massif - the muscles of the lower leg, hip joint, and scapula - can be subject to the inflammatory process. Myositis in dogs can also affect organ structures made of connective tissue, as well as nerve endings.

Factors provoking the disease:

advanced age;
weakness after illness;
low level of immunity;
hypothermia;
presence of an allergic reaction.

Classification of myositis:

traumatic _ As a result of bruises, falls from a height, blows with a blunt object, or bumping into obstacles, animals often suffer from skeletal muscles. Muscle sprains and tears are another common cause of the disease. Hunting and service dogs are at risk. Not only the joints, but also the muscles suffer from prolonged and heavy loads; they spasm and swell. The injury is accompanied by destruction of the muscle fiber structure, its tear or complete rupture. There is a violation of the integrity of the blood capillaries, which leads to a hematoma. At the site of injury, tissue swelling forms, which quickly becomes inflammatory. The structures formed as a result of inflammation are replaced by connective tissue, which leads to shortening of muscle fibers;

infectious . The cause is pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, fungi, staphylococci and streptococci. In some cases, veterinary specialists identify Escherichia coli in cultures of bacteriological material. Myositis of an infectious nature in dogs most often develops as a consequence of pneumonia, meningitis, and laryngitis. A complicated form of the infectious type of disease is purulent myositis. The pathology is characterized by the formation of purulent foci in the muscle tissue. This type of inflammation poses a danger to the life of the animal due to the risk of developing sepsis;
rheumatic. The main cause is hypothermia. It is most often observed when pets are kept in enclosures, on a chain. Prolonged stay outside without movement and in low temperatures leads to spasms in muscle tissue, which provokes the development of an inflammatory reaction. At the same time, granulomas are formed in the muscle and connective tissue of the muscle, causing pain;

autoimmune. Tendons, collagen fibers and fibrous capsule are attacked by their own antibodies. Developing inflammation quickly spreads to surrounding tissues - muscles, causing autoimmune myositis;
toxic . Most often, the cause of this type of inflammation is toxic substances produced in diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, liver and kidney diseases;
ossifying . The disease occurs due to metabolic disorders and ossification of muscle tissue.

In some cases, the owner may observe damage to the masticatory muscles. Veterinary specialists attribute this type of pathology to eosinophilic myositis in dogs, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. It is assumed that the cause of the disease is parasitic infections. A number of studies support the version that the disease is of an autoimmune nature.

The dog has an acute inflammatory process, accompanied by spasms and cramps of the masticatory muscles. In this case, the development of conjunctivitis is observed. The eyeballs protrude from the sockets due to the inflammatory process. The animal refuses to eat and loses a lot of weight. A general blood test reveals a significant increase in leukocytes and eosinophils.

Myositis of the masticatory muscles in dogs lasts from 14 to 20 days and often resolves with relapses. In this case, at the site of the inflammatory process, strands of connective tissue are formed, impairing jaw mobility.

Atrophy of the masticatory muscles in a dog with myositis

Symptoms of myositis in dogs:

stiffness in movements;
lack of activity;
during stroking, the animal tries to move away from the hand, squeals with intense movement, and may even snap and bare its teeth;
the act of defecation and even urination is difficult;
there is a sharp decrease in appetite or a complete refusal to eat if the jaw is affected;
upon palpation, inflamed muscles may be hot to the touch, and swelling and swelling can be seen in the area of pathology;
with the development of purulent myositis, the animal experiences depression, refusal of food, and an increase in general temperature.

Before contacting a specialized institution, it is necessary to exclude the cold: bring the dog into the house, leave it in a warm room without drafts, and arrange a bed.

Diagnosis of an animal includes: a clinical examination of the body by a veterinarian, examination and palpation of the affected area, a general blood test, and an x-ray examination.

The inflammatory process in muscle tissue requires an integrated approach. First of all, painkillers are prescribed - Baralgin, Spazgan. If the cause of myositis is infectious agents, then the sick animal will be prescribed a course of antibiotics - penicillin drugs. With the development of rheumatic myositis, the use of Butadione has a good effect. In some cases, glucocorticosteroid drugs are prescribed to reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain.

Treatment of myositis in dogs should be accompanied by physiotherapy. Veterinarians note the high effectiveness of UHF therapy, Sollux lamps, mud therapy, and massage according to indications.

Prevention of occurrence includes:

regular vaccination against infectious diseases;
treatment 4 times a year against parasites;
preventing the dog from hypothermia (swimming in cold waters, staying in the cold for a long time, etc.);
injury prevention;
dosed physical activity for hunting and working breeds of dogs;
avoiding contact with allergens;
increasing the body's defenses.

Read more in our article about myositis in dogs.

Myositis – what is it?

Myositis is diagnosed in dogs when the inflammatory process affects muscle fibers. This disease comes in several types: eosinophilic, traumatic and rheumatic. A common cause of this pathology is regular jumping and running on uneven surfaces. During such movements, the muscles that perform the function of flexion are stretched. Less commonly, ruptures of fibers and even blood vessels can occur, which leads to hemorrhages. Myositis can occur in both chronic and acute forms.

Possible complications

With self-medication and untimely referral to the clinic, inflammatory processes in the dog’s muscle tissue develop. It becomes almost impossible to stop the process without consequences and complications in the pet’s health.

Complications:

muscle weakening to the point of death;
spread of purulent infection to other organs;
the size of the damaged muscle changes - it shortens;
disruption of muscle activity.

The muscles serve the dog for free movement, ensuring a prosperous life. If there is a malfunction in muscle function, the pet’s quality of life deteriorates sharply. The owner’s important task is to promptly contact the clinic and prevent complications from developing.

Features of the disease

Myositis in dogs is an insidious disease. After all, even living in a city apartment, an animal needs to constantly move. And if his muscles become inflamed, this will be quite problematic. The dog refuses to walk and completely stops playing and running. Lying down, he periodically whines as his muscles are seized by aching pain. The dog's movements become slow. Before placing his paw, he thinks for a long time, as if deciding to do it. It takes him a long time to find a place, and in the end his movements are reduced to forced ones.

Masticatory myositis

Myositis of the masticatory muscles (also known as atrophic myositis or eosinophilic myositis) is a chronic disease of dogs characterized by inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the masticatory, temporal and ocular muscles and accompanied by eosinophilia. East European Shepherds are usually affected, and Doberman Pinschers are very rarely affected.

The main cause of muscle damage and inflammation is considered to be the formation of autoantibodies to a certain protein myosin, located in the masticatory muscles. It is worth noting that inflammation occurs only in these muscle groups due to the fact that the structure of the masticatory muscles differs from other muscle tissue in the body.

Clinical signs

An early and characteristic sign is trismus (tonic spasm) of the masticatory muscles. Forced opening of the mouth fails. Swelling and soreness of the masticatory and temporal muscles are noted, followed by their atrophy. The configuration of the dog's head resembles a “fox face”. Anorexia develops due to eating problems.

Typical swelling in canine eosinophilic myositis

Due to atrophy of the eye muscles, sick dogs develop bulging eyes, the mobility of the eyeball is limited, and sometimes the third eyelid falls out.

In mild cases, the signs of clinical manifestations of the disease disappear, in severe cases, muscle atrophy progresses, the animal becomes exhausted, which may be the cause of its death.

Characterized by an increased level of eosinophils in the blood (sometimes up to 40% or higher).

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is based on history, symptoms, and laboratory blood tests.

Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens distinguishes between acute and chronic changes in muscle tissue. If an acute form of the disease is detected in a dog, necrosis of muscle tissue with scattered infiltrate (accumulations of cellular elements mixed with blood and lymph) is determined. At the same time, in the chronic form of the disease, in addition to necrosis, the volume of connective tissue increases and the development of fibrosis begins. Since similar signs can also appear in the case of other diseases, it is necessary to conduct additional radiography of the temporomandibular joint to clarify the final diagnosis.

In addition to all of the above, the presence of antibodies in the blood serum can be detected, but the test result is not always positive, so the diagnosis is made based on a combination of clinical signs and the body’s response to immunosuppressive therapy.

Treatment

The basis of treatment is immunosuppressive drugs to suppress unwanted reactions of the immune system. If the dog is not able to eat on its own, gastrostomy or esophagostomy tubes are used to feed the animal. In some cases, the veterinarian manually opens the jaw under general anesthesia.

With timely treatment, the disease can be controlled without progression. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable.

In severe cases of the disease, atrophy of the masticatory and temporal muscles, limited mobility of the eyeballs, weakened vision, etc. remain.

Kinds

Myositis in dogs is divided into types depending on the reasons that provoked the development of the inflammatory process of muscle fibers. Veterinarians distinguish:

Infectious myositis. This type is considered the most dangerous, as it can lead to blood poisoning. Without treatment, the acute form becomes chronic.
Traumatic myositis. Hunting and service dogs are at risk. This disease is often called occupational. Pets of decorative breeds do not suffer from this pathology.
Rheumatic myositis. The name of the disease speaks for itself. Most often found in mature animals.

Types of myositis

Myositis in dogs, symptoms and treatment should be distinguished depending on the type of pathology. The three options are clearly classified and have their own symptoms and causes. But there is another variant of pathology that has been little studied. This is eosinophilic myositis in dogs, the symptoms and treatment of which are specific, but require prior clear diagnosis. The disease affects the chewing muscles, as well as the muscles of the neck and back of the head. A pet with such a pathology is not able to eat food on its own. This type of myositis is different from the other three.

Traumatic

Already from the name it is clear what occurs as a result of an injury - a bruise, dislocation, sprain, fracture, blow. All this contributes to the fact that muscles are damaged and characteristic symptoms of myositis appear:

Swelling and hardness of the muscles at the site of injury.
The animal tries not to move the injured limb or lie down on the affected side.
The pet is inactive.
Lost appetite.
Body temperature may remain normal or rise slightly.

Traumatic myositis most often affects the limbs. It can be easily eliminated if you pay attention to it in time.

Purulent form

The cause is bacteria - staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and others. These infections can “operate” inside the pet’s body for a long time, and then manifest themselves in the muscles during their damage. Also, purulent myositis appears if the animal breaks down, runs into something and the wound is not treated properly. In the purulent form, the symptoms are as follows:

muscles are tense;
when you feel the place - severe pain;
increased body temperature;
sometimes local hyperthermia and hyperpigmentation;
no appetite, lethargy, apathy.

As the disease progresses, the seal begins to dry out and become softer. But this is only a cause for concern, because an abscess is developing. This is not always noticeable externally (darkening of the skin, a wound), and here it is simply necessary to take your pet to the veterinarian.

Rheumatic

Most often it appears in adult dogs, but it can also develop in young dogs. The causes are infections, allergic reactions, as well as a general weakening of the immune system. Typically, the development of rheumatic myositis is preceded by a “push” factor:

obesity;
hypothermia;
long-term colds (or frequent relapses of viral infection);
persistent allergies;
decreased immunity due to other diseases.

The disease affects the back muscles and lower back. The dog develops characteristic symptoms:

slouch;
severe pain due to which the animal shows aggression;
whining, especially if a person tries to pet the dog;
difficulty getting up;
lopsided, heavy gait;
problems with stool (often the animal cannot go to the toilet at all);
poor appetite.

Any sign immediately makes it clear that the dog has back problems. This form of myositis can be suspected faster than others, but it is more difficult to treat.

Clinical picture

In most cases, the disease occurs with inflammation of the pelvic and shoulder joints. It is worth paying attention to the dog's behavior. With the development of pathological reactions, it is difficult for her to move. Symptoms of myositis in dogs appear clearly. The temperature rises, the pulse becomes rapid, and muscle pain occurs. If the breeder tries to massage the paws, the pet reacts aggressively. Pain occurs even if you lightly touch the paws. Rheumatic myositis is accompanied by variable pain. The pathological process migrates from one muscle to another. Some animals experience seizures. Dogs have difficulty going to the toilet because their muscles are so sore. If the masticatory muscles are affected, the animal does not eat. The breeder needs to change the water in the bowl more often. As the temperature rises, the muscles experience thirst.

Most often, German shepherds suffer from this disease, but other large breed dogs are also at risk. If an animal has a chronic form of the disease, inflammatory fibrosis progresses, problems arise with opening the jaws, and muscle atrophy occurs. The dog has difficulty eating.

The acute form of myositis is characterized by swelling of the masticatory muscles, convulsions, and fever. Anorexia develops due to eating problems. In severe cases of the disease, enlarged lymph nodes and exophthalmos (bulging of the eyeball forward) are observed.

If the breeder tries to massage the paws, the pet reacts aggressively. Pain occurs even if you lightly touch the paws. Rheumatic myositis is accompanied by variable pain. The pathological process migrates from one muscle to another. Some animals experience seizures. Dogs have difficulty going to the toilet because their muscles are so sore. If the masticatory muscles are affected, the animal does not eat. The breeder needs to change the water in the bowl more often. As the temperature rises, the muscles experience thirst.

Veterinary clinic of Dr. Shubin

Description and reasons

Masticatory myositis is an autoimmune inflammation of the masticatory muscles, a focal inflammatory myopathy leading to necrosis, phagocytosis and fibrosis of muscle fibers.
Chewing myositis can be both acute and chronic, and can lead to difficulty opening the mouth (trismus) and severe muscle atrophy. Masticatory myositis is the most common non-infectious inflammatory myopathy in dogs. Muscle inflammation occurs due to the formation of autoantibodies to myosin in the masticatory muscles. Due to the fact that the masticatory muscles have a different source of embryonic development from other muscles and contain a special type of muscle fibers (type 2M fibers), inflammation is limited only to this muscle group. The exact reasons for the development of an autoimmune reaction have not been determined; there are only multiple theories.

Synonyms: eosinophilic myositis, atrophic myositis, and cranial myodegeneration.

Clinical signs

Chewing myositis most often affects dogs of large breeds, most often observed in German shepherds. In cats, masticatory myositis has not been reported.

This disease has an acute and chronic phase. In the acute phase, hypertrophy of the masticatory muscles with myalgia and difficulties when trying to open the mouth are noted. Most often, there is trismus of the masticatory muscles and the inability to abduct the lower jaw; sometimes the mouth remains constantly open due to swelling of the muscles, preventing complete closure. Sometimes proptosis may occur due to swelling of the pterygoid muscle. Signs of eye damage are observed in animals in 44% of cases; visual impairment can be caused by tension on the optic nerve due to exophthalmos. In the acute phase of masticatory myositis, fever and enlargement of the mandibular and prescapular lymph nodes may be observed.

In the chronic phase of masticatory myositis, myofibrils are replaced by fibrous tissue. This stage of the disease is irreversible and can lead to severe trismus of the masticatory muscles. There is marked atrophy of the masticatory muscles and enophthalmos with atrophy of the pterygoid muscle.

The acute form is characterized by symmetrical swelling and soreness of the masticatory muscles, difficulties when trying to open the mouth, anorexia and fever. In severe cases of the disease, peripheral lymphadenopathy may occur, as well as exophathalmos and blindness due to swelling of the affected muscles, followed by displacement of the eyeball. In both the acute and chronic phases of masticatory myositis, there are significant difficulties with eating, up to severe exhaustion of the animal.

Histopathological examination of biopsies identifies both acute and chronic changes in muscle tissue (depending on the phase). The acute form of the disease is characterized by necrosis of muscle fibers as well as a diffuse and predominantly unicellular infiltrate. In the chronic form, necrosis of muscle fibers is also noted, but an increase in the volume of connective tissue and fibrosis is characteristic.

Radiographic examination of the temporomandibular joint is mainly carried out to exclude other diseases that occur with similar symptoms. Also, for the purpose of differential diagnosis, electromyography is likely to be performed.

Diagnostics

The final diagnosis of masticatory myositis is determined by identifying antibodies circulating in the blood to type 2M myofibers; the ELISA test for this disease is highly specific. The ELISA test may be falsely negative in some patients, especially in end-stage disease and when receiving corticosteroids. If a test is not available, a presumptive diagnosis with a high degree of probability can be made based on the sum of clinical signs + response to immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids.

Differential diagnosis

• Polymyositis. • Infectious myositis. • Dermatomyositis. • Trigeminal neuropathy. • Temporomandibular joint diseases. • Retrobulbar inflammation and extraocular myositis.

Treatment

The basis of treatment is immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment begins with prednisolone at a dose of 1-2 mg/kg, 2 times a day for 3-4 weeks, followed by a gradual decrease over 2-6 months. A small proportion of dogs require lifelong treatment with maintenance doses of prednisolone. If the response to prednisolone is unsatisfactory or side effects are severe, azathioprine or cyclophosphamide is likely to be used.

As an auxiliary type of treatment when an animal is unable to take food, feeding tubes (esophagostomy or gastrostomy) are used. Also, in chronic cases with severe fibrosis, manual opening of the mouth under general anesthesia is likely.

Forecasts

The prognosis is often favorable; with timely treatment, the disease can be controlled. If presentation is delayed, irreversible scarring of muscle fibers and severe atrophy of the masticatory muscles may occur, shifting the prognosis from cautious to unfavorable.

Photos 1 and 2. The owners contacted the veterinary clinic with a 7-year-old husky, which showed signs of chronic chewing myositis with muscle atrophy, sunken eyeballs and difficulty opening its mouth. A month ago, they went to an outside clinic with difficulty opening their mouths.

Valery Shubin, veterinarian, Balakovo

Classification

Myositis in dogs can be divided into several categories. It is the correctly identified type of pathology that is the key to effective treatment. How is this disease classified?

Parenchymal type. The cause of this pathology is trauma. It directly affects the muscle fibers.
Interstitial type. This includes myositis of the masticatory muscles in dogs. With this disease, the fascia, which is located between the muscles, and the connective fibers become inflamed.
Ossifying and fibrous types. These varieties are considered the most dangerous. Unfortunately, even with treatment, it will not be possible to avoid ossification and hardening of muscle tissue. This will lead to disability.

Can a dog die from myositis of the jaw masticatory muscles?

At an advanced stage of myositis of the jaw muscles of mastication in dogs, taking medications does not improve the course of the disease. Today there is no single effective treatment regimen. Hormonal medications and blood replacement fluids help maintain your pet’s condition
The relief may be temporary. In most cases, complete recovery is impossible. Timely treatment allows you to control the course of the disease, preventing complications.
To minimize the development of eosinophilic myositis in a dog, it is necessary to promptly vaccinate against various pathogens, carry out deworming, control allergic reactions, and strengthen the immune system.
If the dog begins to experience scarring in the chewing muscles, then you can forget about a favorable prognosis.

The main thing is to carry out timely treatment

Complications and prognosis for recovery

The recovery time and consequences of the disease depend on the severity and complexity of the injury. For minor injuries, all signs of the disease disappear by the end of the second week.

In more severe cases of the disease, hematomas may not completely resolve, and cysts or ulcers may form. Complications can occur in the following forms:

shortening of the inflamed muscle;
muscle tissue atrophy;
complete loss of muscle function;
weakened vision after eosinophilic myositis.

Traumatic myositis

The name of this type of myositis speaks for itself - inflammatory processes in the muscles develop as a result of injuries - open wounds, bruises, muscle tears or sprains.

Traumatic myositis is accompanied by the following symptoms in dogs:

the dog's appetite decreases;
the animal is limited in its movements, motor activity decreases;
palpation (feeling) reveals swelling in the area of muscle tissue.

They can vary in size and are accompanied by pain. When touched, the tissues feel hot, and damage to the skin is noticeable on the surface. In places where there are breaks in the skin, the formation of purulent fluid associated with the development of hematomas is often observed.

The muscle affected by the disease becomes more voluminous and tense.

Treatment of this type of myositis in dogs includes the following procedures:

applying cold objects to the affected area (the first two days);
use of a short novocaine block with the addition of an antibiotic;
after that, warming procedures are used - compresses, paraffin applications;
therapeutic massage (only after complete elimination of pain).

If a pet has developed a chronic form of traumatic myositis, then to eliminate the growth of muscle tissue, tissue agents, ointments and creams that have an irritating effect, and therapeutic ultrasound procedures are used. Special sutures are applied to muscle tears.

The healing time and consequences of this type of myositis directly depend on the complexity of tissue damage. If we are talking about minor injuries, then the prognosis is quite favorable. The resulting hemorrhages are absorbed, and all signs of the disease disappear; this can take from three to 15 days.

In more complex cases, the course of the disease is long, the hematomas do not completely resolve. In addition, the formation of blood cysts or ulcers is possible in damaged tissues. In some cases, degeneration of muscle fibers occurs; complications of this phenomenon include:

shortening of the affected muscle;
atrophic changes;
irreversible disorder of muscle functions.

Cysts and purulent formations must be opened, and treatment is carried out in the same way as for other wounds.

Purulent myositis

The cause of purulent myositis is the consequences of unsuccessfully placed injections. It can also be triggered by deep wounds that have become infected. In this case, an inflamed spot of diffuse shape with unclear boundaries forms on the skin. After the injection, the localization site looks different. It is small in size with a clear outline.

It is quite easy to determine purulent myositis. A characteristic lump will be felt under the skin in the inflamed area. The pus accumulates over time, after which there is a high probability that it will develop into a large abscess. If you open it, the exudate will come out. An animal with such a pathology has a fever, it feels sad, even depressed, and may refuse to eat.

Myositis in dogs

Muscle disease brings a lot of suffering to the pet, but he cannot say about it, so very often the disease is detected at a late and very advanced stage.

Myositis is an inflammatory lesion of skeletal muscle.

What is dangerous about myositis, how does it manifest itself and can it be cured at home? Let's try to answer these questions.

Danger of disease

Without muscles, not a single movement of any living organism is possible. And suddenly the muscle tissue became inflamed. Pain appeared when moving, which means the quality of life worsened. The dog moves with difficulty and whines whenever you touch it. There can no longer be any question of any active walks. In some cases, the disease occurs in an acute form, but there is also a chronic condition.

When sick, it becomes difficult for a dog to move.

Muscle rupture due to injury can lead to further limping of the dog.

Type of myositis, classification

Myositis occurs for various reasons and is therefore classified differently. The type of disease will determine the dog's subsequent treatment. Here are the main types of muscle inflammation:

Infectious is one of the most dangerous manifestations of myositis, as it most often becomes chronic.
Traumatic – occurs due to injury. For example, a service dog needed to overcome an obstacle and jump from a great height. The result of an unsuccessful jump is a muscle injury. Service and hunting dogs who, in the course of their duty, overcome various obstacles are susceptible to traumatic myositis. Even long running over rough terrain can result in muscle inflammation. In this case, acute aseptic myositis develops. The flexor muscles are stretched due to overload, and in some cases, individual muscle fibers and blood vessels rupture. Hemorrhage is manifested by muscle swelling and soreness. Upon palpation, it is noticeable that this area has an increased temperature.

Service dogs are more susceptible to the disease.

Purulent myositis

Purulent myositis develops against the background of wounds or incorrectly administered injections, with violation of antiseptic measures.

An incorrectly given injection can cause purulent myositis.

Inflammation after an injection usually has a limited size, in other situations it is diffuse, without a clear localization contour.

With purulent myositis, a compaction is felt in the area of inflammation, which then turns into an abscess. When it is opened, purulent contents pour out. A dog with purulent myositis is depressed and has a fever.

Rheumatic inflammation

Rheumatic inflammation is detected in older dogs. Age-related changes do not have the best effect on joints and muscles.

The causes of rheumatic muscle damage have not been fully investigated. It is believed that infectious diseases contribute to the manifestation of rheumatic myositis. In addition, living conditions in cold and damp rooms can also cause muscle inflammation. Dogs that are often outdoors in rainy weather are at risk of developing rheumatic myositis.

A dog that is often exposed to the rain runs the risk of getting sick.

Eosinophilic myositis

10th day of illness.

The causes of eosinophilic myositis are also not completely clear. This form of the disease occurs with acute inflammation of the masticatory muscles.

Swelling is visible to the touch and visually; in addition, the eyeballs protrude. Symptoms of the disease are visible for 3 weeks, then the condition improves. If the disease often recurs, muscle atrophy occurs and they are replaced by connective tissue.

With eosinophilic myositis, the dog experiences protrusion of the eyes.

Myositis usually affects the most mobile joints – the pelvic and shoulder joints. Therefore, the dog experiences severe discomfort, because any movement becomes difficult.

Rheumatic myositis

Rheumatic myositis in dogs is most often diagnosed at the age of 10 years, but there are exceptions. These include congenital pathologies. This type of myositis causes changes in muscles and joints that occur with aging.

Veterinarians find it difficult to name the exact causes that lead to rheumatic inflammation. However, it is precisely established that it appears after an infectious disease. Improper living conditions for the animal can also have an impact - unheated rooms with high humidity levels. Even young dogs that constantly live outside can get sick.

Useful video

Watch this video about the causes, symptoms and treatment of myositis in dogs:

Symptoms

Myositis is not only an acute and chronic disease, but also very unpleasant. Pain causes dogs to whine constantly and feel generally unwell. Even after treatment, relapses often occur - new healthy muscles also begin to hurt. As a rule, the first signs of the disease appear in the shoulder and pelvic regions , since this is where the most active muscles are located. At the beginning of the disease, the animal feels physical fatigue only after a night's sleep; with further development of the disease, symptoms appear throughout the day.

Therapeutic actions during the period of illness

At the first signs of this disease, it is necessary to urgently contact a specialized specialist at a veterinary emergency center. You need to call an “YA-VET” specialist to your home, which will be more convenient, since a sick animal is unlikely to enjoy the trip. A specialized specialist will examine the animal, make a diagnosis and prescribe an effective course of treatment. During your in-home examination, your veterinarian will provide all necessary paperwork, licenses, and approvals to ensure that your pet is being examined by a high-quality professional.

During the treatment period, the dog should stay in a warm place and eat well so that the body weakened by the disease gains strength and the animal recovers faster.

Eosinophilic myositis in dogs

Unfortunately, what exactly causes this type of myositis is still not clear. It occurs in an acute form. The inflammatory process affects the masticatory muscles. It manifests itself as swelling in the cheekbone area. It is easily determined visually. As the swelling grows, the eyeballs protrude. Symptoms of myositis of the masticatory muscles in dogs appear within three weeks. After this there will be improvement. But you shouldn’t rejoice, as the disease can recur. Another serious problem is the fact that the muscles gradually atrophy and are replaced by connective tissue. The inflammatory process is not limited to one area. It spreads to the muscles of the shoulder and pelvis. Because of this, the animal feels unpleasant feelings. Discomfort prevents her from moving freely.

How to cure eosinophilic myositis of the jaw in dogs: reviews

Svetlana. We went to the clinic with signs of jaw myositis in a dog. The maximum opening of the mouth is 2 cm. The dog was x-rayed in 2 projections, according to which it was determined that the bones had not yet been damaged. The veterinarian prescribed injections of dexamethasone, flunex and intramycin. At the second appointment a week later, the jaws opened 6-7 cm. After the full course of treatment, the dog’s vision deteriorated significantly. Physical activity has decreased significantly.
Natalia. Our dog stopped eating. My jaw is very swollen. We contacted the veterinarian. A blood test revealed an increased eosinophil content - while the norm was up to 3, in the dog it was 20. Immunosuppressive therapy was prescribed - intraoral prednisol. During the treatment, the dog vomited several times. I lost a lot of weight. After the first signs of relief, they began to fatten her up with special food. We carry out physical therapy, stimulating the chewing of various rubber objects.

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Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

At the same time, in the chronic form of the disease, in addition to necrosis, the volume of connective tissue increases and the development of fibrosis begins. Since similar signs can also appear in the case of other diseases, it is necessary to conduct additional radiography of the temporomandibular joint to clarify the final diagnosis.

Symptoms and treatment of myositis in dogs are the main topic of today’s material. What is the peculiarity of this disease? What consequences can a pet expect? In order to understand the seriousness of the situation, every owner must know everything about this pathology. Without treatment, myositis can lead to irreversible changes that significantly reduce the dog's quality of life. After all, muscles are life for her!

Myositis is an insidious disease. Within a few days, it turns your beloved pet into a sedentary, nervous, suffering animal.

At the first symptoms of limited movement, difficulty toileting or loss of appetite, you should contact a veterinary clinic for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis of the problem.

The sooner you see a doctor, the easier the path to recovery.

Diagnostics usually includes a full examination of the body: examination and palpation of the diseased area, a general blood test, ultrasound examination to detect ruptures, swelling, Dopplerography to assess the condition of the vessels supplying the affected muscle, Voll diagnostics to clarify the preservation of the connection between muscle tissue and nerves, X-rays and MRI prescribed according to indications.

If the dog’s movements are difficult or it experiences pain when exercising its muscles, then there can be no question of living a full life. To combat an illness, you should never rely on your own strength or self-medicate.

Only a specialist, using diagnostic equipment, will determine the type of pathology and prescribe effective treatment.

Diagnostics

If there are any clinical signs of myositis of the masticatory muscles, it is necessary to perform a biopsy of muscle tissue to identify changes accompanying the chronic or acute form of the disease. If an acute form of the disease is detected in a dog, necrosis of muscle tissue with scattered infiltrate (accumulations of cellular elements mixed with blood and lymph) is determined. At the same time, in the chronic form of the disease, in addition to necrosis, the volume of connective tissue increases and the development of fibrosis begins. Since similar signs can also appear in the case of other diseases, it is necessary to conduct additional radiography of the temporomandibular joint to clarify the final diagnosis.

Causes

Let's find out what causes the development of myositis. The fact is that inflammation can develop not only in a sick dog, but also in a fairly strong dog.

Common factors of myositis:

Heavy physical activity for a long time. With this lifestyle, the animal can receive serious injuries, which will contribute to the development of pathology.
Exposure to stress without preparation. In this case, myositis may appear due to a lack of lactic acid.
Living in cold conditions. Low temperatures cause muscles to become paralyzed. Movement for animals becomes problematic.
Autoimmune disease. With this pathology, myositis is a consequence.
Age-related changes lead to aging of muscles and joints, which can cause the development of an inflammatory process.
Parasites. Infection and bacteria entering a deep wound often causes myositis. They take root in the muscles, which leads to constrained movements.

Treatment of myositis disease in dogs

If you notice any suspicious symptoms, you should consult a doctor. It is important to protect the animal from the cold. It is necessary to make a bed in a warm room. There should be a bowl of clean water near the dog. With myositis, it is difficult for an animal to turn, it is necessary to change the position of its body, thus preventing bedsores. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment. If a rheumatic disease has been identified, therapy with antibiotics and penicillin is prescribed.

Antirheumatic medications are recommended. To alleviate the course of the disease, you need to use Analgin in injections (dosages vary individually).

Symptoms and treatment for myositis vary in dogs. If the animal is in a hospital, massage and physiotherapeutic procedures are performed. In case of purulent form of the disease, surgery is necessary. The doctor removes dead tissue and subsequently prescribes antibiotic therapy. It is necessary to protect the liver from harmful influences, for this purpose hepatoprotectors are prescribed. For purulent myositis, treatment in a hospital setting is required. For the eosinophilic form, the doctor prescribes Cortisone. If necessary, blood transfusion is performed.

Traumatic myositis requires different treatment. If the animal is injured, you must call a veterinarian. Novocaine and an antibiotic are administered. Afterwards you need to make warm compresses. Paraffin baths can be used to treat traumatic myositis. If the pain can be eliminated, the doctor gives a massage. In case of severe injuries, treatment in a clinic is necessary, ultrasound procedures are performed. When a muscle ruptures, stitches are placed.

Complications and concomitant diseases

Myositis in dogs can lead to complications, one of which is muscle atrophy. As this disease progresses, the muscles become smaller. Atrophy also occurs due to diseases affecting joints and peripheral nerves. Predisposing factors:

physical exhaustion;
injuries;
intoxication.

The disease requires complex treatment. If myositis causes complications, you should urgently contact a veterinary clinic. The doctor will examine you again. Atrophy is treated with physiotherapeutic methods. The veterinarian prescribes massage and warming procedures. Therapy is not complete without medications with vitamins. This disease requires complex treatment. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations.

Myositis can occur against the background of purulent arthritis. The latter develops due to the fact that staphylococci penetrate into the joints. Microbes lead to purulent processes. If purulent arthritis is in the first stage, damage to the synovial membrane occurs. If purulent arthritis is not treated in a timely manner, it will move to the second stage and the pathological process will affect different parts of the joint. Incompetent treatment of myositis and purulent arthritis leads to the fact that the joints are completely destroyed, and subsequently deforming arthrosis occurs.

Sometimes myositis occurs against the background of hip dysplasia. The disease is transmitted hereditarily and is mainly observed in childhood. Dysplasia occurs due to the fact that the joints do not develop enough. With this pathology, dislocations often occur. If hip dysplasia progresses, the shoulder and knee regions are involved in the pathological process. If hip dysplasia is diagnosed, surgery is prescribed. Conservative treatment is aimed at eliminating symptoms. Medicines help prevent arthrosis.

Pathologies of muscles and joints require professional treatment. Tablets, ointments, and injection solutions are prescribed by a doctor. Self-therapy is unacceptable; it leads to serious consequences. During the recovery period, a diet is needed, and it is also necessary to ensure the prevention of bedsores.

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Which breeds are more susceptible

At risk are those dog breeds that, due to their purpose, have increased loads - these are working dogs - herding, hunting, service breeds. For example, hunting dogs chase game through wet grass for a long time.

During an active long run, the muscles, having received a load, produce lactic acid, an excess of which can lead to injuries to the muscles of the shoulder, hips, lower back, back and neck, and hypothermia will only accelerate the development of the disease.

It is necessary to understand that any pet is susceptible to a dangerous disease. If the dog is exposed to the rain for a long time, swimming in cool water, or just walking after a bath, all these factors lead to hypothermia of the pet with the risk of developing myositis.

Basics of treatment of myositis in dogs

The most important thing in the first days of illness is to ensure a state of rest and create comfortable living conditions.

A soft bed in a warm and dry room.
Always have a bowl of water within reach.
If the animal cannot even roll over on the bedding on its own, its position should be changed periodically to prevent bedsores on the skin.

During the treatment period, the dog should be provided with a soft and warm bed.

You can call a veterinarian at home or take your pet to a veterinary clinic. After examination and tests, the doctor will be able to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

For the rheumatic form of myositis, complex therapy is used. If the dog lived on the street, it is transferred to a warm room. Antibiotics are prescribed intramuscularly - Penicillin, Bicillin. Antirheumatic drugs are also prescribed - Brufen, Butadione. Analgin injections help relieve pain. In a hospital setting, physiotherapy is used: UHF, massage, muscle warming is done using special irritating compounds. After this, the dog must be wrapped up.
Purulent myositis requires surgical intervention. Problem areas are excised and dead tissue is removed. After this, the dog requires antibiotic therapy. Because Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, and liver protection with hepatoprotectors is mandatory. The most popular are Karsil, LIV - 52. Treatment is carried out strictly in a hospital setting.
The eosinophilic form of myositis has not been studied enough. There is no exact evidence why the disease begins. Cortisone is used to treat this form. A blood transfusion is possible.
In case of traumatic myositis, apply a cold compress to the affected area for the first day (for sprained muscles and ligaments). They use an injection of novocaine and an antibiotic. Next, treatment is carried out with warming compresses, you can use paraffin applications. When the pain has passed, they move on to massage procedures. In a veterinary clinic, ultrasound treatment can be used. If there is a muscle tear, stitches are placed.

Factors provoking the disease:

advanced age;
weakness after illness;
low level of immunity;
hypothermia;
presence of an allergic reaction.

Classification of myositis:

traumatic. As a result of bruises, falls from a height, blows with a blunt object, or bumping into obstacles, animals often suffer from skeletal muscles. Muscle sprains and tears are another common cause of the disease. Hunting and service dogs are at risk. Not only the joints, but also the muscles suffer from prolonged and heavy loads; they spasm and swell. The injury is accompanied by destruction of the muscle fiber structure, its tear or complete rupture. There is a violation of the integrity of the blood capillaries, which leads to a hematoma. At the site of injury, tissue swelling forms, which quickly becomes inflammatory. The structures formed as a result of inflammation are replaced by connective tissue, which leads to shortening of muscle fibers;

infectious. The cause is pathogenic microorganisms - bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, fungi, staphylococci and streptococci. In some cases, veterinary specialists identify Escherichia coli in cultures of bacteriological material. Myositis of an infectious nature in dogs most often develops as a consequence of pneumonia, meningitis, and laryngitis. A complicated form of the infectious type of disease is purulent myositis. The pathology is characterized by the formation of purulent foci in the muscle tissue. This type of inflammation poses a danger to the life of the animal due to the risk of developing sepsis;
rheumatic. The main cause is hypothermia. It is most often observed when pets are kept in enclosures, on a chain. Prolonged stay outside without movement and in low temperatures leads to spasms in muscle tissue, which provokes the development of an inflammatory reaction. At the same time, granulomas are formed in the muscle and connective tissue of the muscle, causing pain;

autoimmune. Tendons, collagen fibers and fibrous capsule are attacked by their own antibodies. Developing inflammation quickly spreads to surrounding tissues - muscles, causing autoimmune myositis;
toxic. Most often, the cause of this type of inflammation is toxic substances produced in diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, liver and kidney diseases;
ossifying. The disease occurs due to metabolic disorders and ossification of muscle tissue.

Myositis of the masticatory muscles in dogs lasts from 14 to 20 days and often resolves with relapses. In this case, at the site of the inflammatory process, strands of connective tissue are formed, impairing jaw mobility.

Atrophy of the masticatory muscles in a dog with myositis

Symptoms of myositis in dogs:

stiffness in movements;
lack of activity;
during stroking, the animal tries to move away from the hand, squeals with intense movement, and may even snap and bare its teeth;
the act of defecation and even urination is difficult;
there is a sharp decrease in appetite or a complete refusal to eat if the jaw is affected;
upon palpation, inflamed muscles may be hot to the touch, and swelling and swelling can be seen in the area of pathology;
with the development of purulent myositis, the animal experiences depression, refusal of food, and an increase in general temperature.

Before contacting a specialized institution, it is necessary to exclude the cold: bring the dog into the house, leave it in a warm room without drafts, and arrange a bed.

Diagnosis of an animal includes: a clinical examination of the body by a veterinarian, examination and palpation of the affected area, a general blood test, and an x-ray examination.

The inflammatory process in muscle tissue requires an integrated approach. First of all, painkillers are prescribed - Baralgin, Spazgan. If the cause of myositis is infectious agents, then the sick animal will be prescribed a course of antibiotics - penicillin drugs. With the development of rheumatic myositis, the use of Butadione has a good effect. In some cases, glucocorticosteroid drugs are prescribed to reduce the inflammatory response and relieve pain.

Treatment of myositis in dogs should be accompanied by physiotherapy. Veterinarians note the high effectiveness of UHF therapy, Sollux lamps, mud therapy, and massage according to indications.

Prevention of occurrence includes:

regular vaccination against infectious diseases;
treatment 4 times a year against parasites;
preventing the dog from hypothermia (swimming in cold waters, staying in the cold for a long time, etc.);
injury prevention;
dosed physical activity for hunting and working breeds of dogs;
avoiding contact with allergens;
increasing the body's defenses.

Read more in our article about myositis in dogs.

Symptoms

Chewing myositis in dogs, as well as other types, is accompanied by decay and necrosis of muscle fibers. Over time, a compaction forms at the site of inflammation. It is quite painful to the touch. Pus may accumulate in the swelling. Exudate has a characteristic brown color. With this pathology, the animal has a fever and is in a depressed state. Muscles tense and cramps appear.

If a dog is diagnosed with rheumatic inflammation, then peculiar nodules will be felt under the skin. Their appearance is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and rapid breathing.

Due to painful spasms, your pet will behave aggressively if you touch the sore spot. It is possible that it may even bite. Therefore, in order to alleviate his condition, you must immediately seek help from a veterinarian.

How many days does treatment of masticatory muscle myositis in dogs last?

With timely treatment of your pet, external ailments disappear in 2-3 weeks. In most cases, eosinophilic myositis can be controlled.
It is worth considering that repeated illness can lead to loss of muscle sensitivity. Even if you consult a veterinarian in a timely manner, your dog may experience a relapse during treatment.
If the dog does not experience relief and cannot eat, they resort to manual opening of the mouth under general anesthesia.

Can last up to 2-3 weeks

Signs of illness

A concerned owner begins to notice that in the morning his pet moves very carefully and stiffly. The dog thinks for a long time where to place his paw, whines, squeals in pain even at the slightest movement. These are the first signs of myositis.

Subsequently, when the disease begins to progress, symptoms increase:

body temperature rises;
loss of appetite;
the dog does not allow himself to be petted, growls and snaps;
significantly limits his motor activity, stops jumping, tries to avoid all obstacles;
sore muscles become swollen, tense and hot to the touch;
Sometimes convulsions occur.
damage to the skin may be noticeable;
blood appears in the urine;
the dog stops defecating or does it very rarely. It's obvious that this is causing her pain.

Inflamed muscles cause the animal a lot of suffering. When the masticatory muscles are affected (jaw myositis), eating causes enormous pain, and it is difficult even to simply bark. If inflammation affects the muscles of the cervical and occipital region, it becomes impossible for the dog to tilt or raise its head.

When the first characteristic symptoms of the disease occur, it is necessary to conduct a timely examination and identify the cause, on which treatment tactics will depend.

Main symptoms

Myositis in dogs is divided into several types (depending on the causes) with characteristic symptoms:

Traumatic - loss of appetite, lethargy, the dog’s movements are careful, the animal takes care of the damaged area, when palpated, a dense area in the sore muscle can be identified, burdened by a tumor and elevated temperature.
Purulent (infectious) is the consequences of an untreated injury to a dog’s muscle, which causes the process of suppuration, an increase in temperature, the animal is lethargic and inactive, and there is no appetite.
Rheumatic - affects the muscles of the back and lower back. The animal characteristically hunches over and has difficulty going to the toilet, the pet has difficulty getting to its feet, does not allow touching the sore spot, and shows nervousness.

With any type of myositis, the dog experiences severe pain in the muscle tissue, has difficulty moving, is depressed and practically does not eat.

Along with the described types of myositis, cases of damage to the chewing muscles of dogs (deterioration of jaw mobility, convulsions) have been recorded. For this pathology, the term eosinophilic myositis is used, but the mechanism of its origin and development is not fully understood.

Each type of myositis is treated differently, which is why it is so important to diagnose the pathology using modern methods used in veterinary clinics.

Treatment

Myositis of the cheekbone muscles in dogs is the most difficult to treat. In most cases, it is not possible to completely get rid of it. When prescribing medications and methods of therapy, it is important to know the reason that provoked the pathology. You shouldn't rely on your own strength. The animal must be examined in a specialized clinic. Only there will the correct diagnosis be made, thanks to which it is possible to choose effective treatment. For example, for rheumatic inflammation, it is necessary to take special medications that have an antirheumatic effect. Analgin injections, compresses and physiotherapy are added to the course of therapy. If there is no pain, then you can perform a massage that will help restore the function of muscle tissue. Sometimes drug treatment does not bring positive results, so the doctor may decide to perform surgery.

Treatment method and prognosis

To treat and restore your dog, you must follow all doctor's instructions. This will help your pet recover and prevent muscle atrophy. In mild forms and timely treatment at the clinic, treatment takes from 3 to 15 days.

When treating all types of myositis, it is important to ensure complete rest for the animal, excluding any physical activity, and placing it on soft bedding without drafts.

Rheumatic inflammation is treated with drugs with antirheumatic effects, which should be selected by a doctor.

For purulent myositis, excision of the damaged tissue is carried out with the prescription of antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs.

If your pet is in severe pain, the doctor will prescribe painkillers, having previously analyzed the animal’s health problems to rule out complications. Based on the general condition of the sick animal, compresses and physiotherapy may be prescribed.

When pain disappears, massage is allowed to restore muscle function.

Procedures such as diathermy, mud therapy and Sollux lamps, the use of which is indicated in combination with the main therapy, have shown positive results.

Unfortunately, in advanced cases or complicated by the pet’s general health, drug treatment does not bring relief, then the doctor may decide to perform surgery.

No effective regimens have yet been developed for the treatment of masticatory muscle myositis in dogs. In most cases, hormonal drugs, blood replacement fluids and compresses are prescribed. This treatment helps maintain the normal condition of the pet, but you should not count on a complete recovery.

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Myositis (muscle inflammation) in dogs

The muscles ensure free movement of dogs, their rapid movement and maintenance of posture. However, pets may develop diseases that affect the condition of the muscular frame. One of these diseases is myositis . It is an inflammation of muscle tissue in dogs, accompanied by severe pain, loss of appetite and other consequences. What forms of myositis exist, what symptoms appear with this disease, can it be cured and how - see below.

The content of the article:

Treatment regimen

Myositis in dogs can cause the animal to refuse food and stop moving. To ensure that the muscles do not completely atrophy, you must follow the doctor’s instructions. As a rule, the following treatment regimen is used for myositis:

The pet is provided with a comfortable place in a warm room without drafts.
Provide complete peace. Any physical activity is prohibited.
Prescribed drugs are acetylsalicylic acid, butadiene or sodium salicylate.
Be sure to make lotions. For the solution, take 100 g of linseed oil, 15 g of methyl salicylate, and also add 150 g of ammonia, 25 g of camphor oil and 15 g of salicylic acid. Mix everything thoroughly.

No effective regimens have yet been developed for the treatment of masticatory muscle myositis in dogs. In most cases, it is recommended to take cortisone, blood replacement fluids and compresses of demixide with novocaine. Such treatment will help maintain the normal condition of the pet, but you should not count on a complete recovery.

Procedures such as diathermy, mud therapy and Sollux lamps have proven themselves quite well in the fight against myositis. They must be used in combination with the main therapy.

Causes of damage to the masticatory muscles and neck

In some cases, the owner may observe damage to the masticatory muscles. Veterinary specialists attribute this type of pathology to eosinophilic myositis in dogs, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. According to some reports, the cause of the disease is parasitic infections. A number of studies support the version that the disease is of an autoimmune nature.

Eosinophilic myositis

As practice shows, myositis of the masticatory muscles in dogs lasts from 14 to 20 days and often resolves with relapses. In this case, at the site of the inflammatory process, strands of connective tissue are formed, impairing jaw mobility.

Prevention measures (diet)

For inflammatory processes in the muscles, the diet is based on the principles of proper nutrition. It is mandatory to have plenty of fresh fluids and adhere to the drinking regime, consuming at least 2000 ml of drinks per day (green tea, rosehip decoction, cranberry or lingonberry juice, raspberry tea).

The principles of nutrition for myositis include eating foods containing vitamins and easily digestible proteins.

Preference should be given to products with vitamins A and C (tomatoes, sweet peppers, green salad, kiwi fruits, plums, citrus fruits, green apples with a sour taste, vegetable oil), which will help neutralize harmful substances formed during myositis.

Including foods containing natural substances with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties (root vegetables, carrots, potatoes, beets) in your dog’s diet will help in the dog’s recovery.

To reduce inflammatory processes, stewed or boiled fish will be useful.

It is important to include in your dog’s diet foods high in calcium (lactic acid products, currants, gooseberries, parsley and cabbage), magnesium (cereals) and zinc (liver, eggs, cheese and pumpkin).

To protect your pet from inflammatory diseases of various origins, it is necessary to take preventive measures, which include:

vaccinations against infectious diseases;
quarterly deworming;
temperature control;
identification of allergic reactions;
strengthening the immune system;
moderate physical activity, avoid exhausting forced marches for working dogs.

The disease is always accompanied by suffering, and if it is myositis, then by the inability to fully move. To avoid inflammatory processes, it is necessary to monitor your pet’s health from the first months of life and not neglect visits to the veterinary clinic and the advice of doctors.

Myositis is inflammation of the muscles. There are purulent, parenchymal, interstitial, fibrous and ossifying myositis.

According to the etiological characteristics, myositis can be traumatic, rheumatic, infectious, and according to the clinical course - acute and chronic. In small domestic animals, purulent, rheumatic and eosinophilic myositis most often occur.

Diet

For inflammatory processes in the muscles, the diet is based on the principles of proper nutrition.

When examining a pet in a clinic, in addition to prescribing basic treatment, the doctor will give recommendations on the animal’s nutrition. The principles of nutrition for myositis include eating foods containing vitamins and easily digestible proteins.

Foods rich in vitamins E, A and C include: tomatoes, sweet peppers, green salad, kiwi fruits, plums, citrus fruits, green apples with a sour taste, vegetable oil.
Products containing a large amount of easily digestible proteins include: soy, ground beef, chicken, oysters.

It is allowed to include in the dog’s diet products containing natural substances with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties: root vegetables of carrots, potatoes, beets, they will help restore the dog’s health.

In order to reduce inflammation, stewed or boiled fish may be useful.

It is important to include in your dog’s diet foods high in calcium (fermented milk products, currants, gooseberries, parsley and cabbage), magnesium (cereals) and zinc (liver, eggs, cheese and pumpkin).

What to do at home

Myositis in dogs is a disease in which the muscles become inflamed. During the treatment period, the animal should have a warm, soft place and good nutrition. This mandatory addition to drug treatment helps the body weakened by the disease to gain strength for recovery.

It is important to create a favorable psychological climate around the pet: the dog should be in a state of absolute calm. You need to talk to her while performing the compresses and other procedures prescribed by the doctor.