masticatory myositis

[Rick Andrews]

Simon was diagnosed with this a few months ago and trying to find out if anyone else has had success with treating with holistic treatments.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Gracie, of Nancie and Gracie has this and Nancie has written about it. Gracie was on steroids and she has done well. I doubt holistic treatments will be effective. Since this is very painful for the dog I think you should opt for proven treatment.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Here is a post by Nancie about Gracie and her recovery:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/gracie-doodle-s-happy-day

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I second F's advice. Masticatory Myositis is an autoimmune disease and requires treatment proven to be effective, i.e. medications that control the immune response.

Here's a link to a Yahoo support group for owners of dogs with immune mediated diseases. The support groups can be very helpful, you can often find lots of tips and help from other owners on what has worked best for them: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/K9Auto-ImmuneSupport/

I hope Simon does well and gets into remission very soon.

[Rick Andrews]

Thank you, I just friend requested Nancie to see how Gracie is doing.  The holistic vet we are using has had success treating with plant sterols and pain meds.. He is definitely not in pain anymore, playing and the happy boy he was a few months ago, but still will only open his mouth an inch or two. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

And can your vet explain why plant sterols are better than well studied prednisone. Admittedly prednisone has many side effects as well as remarkable efficacy but we know a great deal about it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That would be my question, too. If the plant sterols are powerful enough to have a suppressive effect on the immune system, they are powerful enough to cause side effects, too, just like any other medication, "natural" or otherwise. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Rick,

I really hope you do contact Nancie and Gracie for support.  It was a long and painful trip for Gracie but she is finally out of the woods with this horrible ordeal and it took many months. 

[Rick Andrews]

I just read her post and am so happy for her and Gracie..Never even heard of mm before Simon had trouble yawning and picking up his ball.  Thank you.. Teri Andrews

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

She wrote earlier posts about it when Gracie first came down with this diagnosis.  You may want to read those also as she felt like you do now.... looking for a different, quick fix, to this long and painful process.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Here are a few from earlier that may be helpful to read

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/gracie-doodle-has-masticat...

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/another-gracie-doodle-update

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm sorry, but as someone who has an auto-immune disease and for which there are lots of holistic treatments 'out there' I do think that you should choose proven medical treatments backed by scientific research for your dog. It's one thing to use holistic unproven methods on yourself but is it really fair to choose these for your pet who relies on you to make the best choice? This is a horrible condition as I know from watching Gracie's progress through months of treatment (thankfully she is so much better now)  I know your question is asking for 'holistic' advice but this is an area I feel very strongly about.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Me too, Nicky.