Heartbroken loss

Hi everyone,

Three weeks ago my sweet Bindi succumbed to masticatory muscle myositis, an autoimmune disease that affects the head muscles. It is such a rare disease that my vet did not catch it in time. I had never heard of it. Bindi was a 5 year old labradoodle who filled my life with unconditional love and loyalty everyday. She was a blessing that came into my life for such a brief period of time. I originally took Bindi to her vet before Christmas with what was diagnosed as an eye infection. We returned to the vet in late January for another "eye infection" and was prescribed the same eye medication. Each time it cleared up the infection, however it came back again. In Feb when it returned I took Bindi to an eye specialist and was given several meds to clear it up, however at this point her right eyeball was starting to drop in the socket. It was suggested that I see an internist as she was also not able to open her mouth more then an inch. The internist diagnosed her with MMM. She was treated with steroids and to continue the eye meds. In April the eye had started to drop even more and I brought her to a different eye specialist who said that she had gone blind in the right eye and was partially blind in the left eye. Unfortunately Bindi could not receive surgery to remove her eye because they could not put the necessary tube through her mouth. (Her mouth could not be forced open.) This is one of the most horrible diseases for a dog to get. She had little muscle in her head towards the end and could not open her mouth more then 1/2 inch. I took her to one more new vet to assure everything I could possible do was done for my precious dog. My hope is that by explaining this it may help someone else's dog in the early stages. The internist said that this was the first time he had seen a dogs eyes affected the way Bindi's were. Usually it is the mouth and muscle loss in the top of the head. He said that it can affect any dog, but very rare. My sweet Bindi definitely took a part of my heart with her. Bren

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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on May 30, 2014 at 6:14pm

I am terribly sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, sweet Bindi.

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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin on May 30, 2014 at 6:25pm

I am so so sorry for your loss.. Sending doodles kisses and hugs your way to you and your family..

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Permalink Reply by Suzanne & Jack on May 30, 2014 at 6:26pm

Thank you for sharing such a heartbreaking story. I am so sorry for your loss

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Permalink Reply by Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi) on May 30, 2014 at 6:29pm

I am so very sorry Bren. Thank you for sharing your story in hopes that it helps another. I know how hard that was. My heart breaks for you. Rest easy sweet Bindi