Heartbroken loss

[Bren & Reagan]

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

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I am so very sorry for your loss. It is truly heartbreaking.

[F, Calla & Luca]

We did have at least one other doodle with this. Fortunately she is well now. I think it's vital to seek a veterinary expert when symptoms may be confusing. Unfortunately, even with all the specialists in the world some dogs cannot be saved.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So sorry for your loss.  I hope that sweet memories will ease the pain as time goes by.  

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

This is so terribly sad and what a scary disease for poor Bindi to succumb too. My sympathies are with you. RIP dear Bindi.

[Rose]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Bren, your sharing this painful loss is another way of loving Bindi. It is a good way to regain power over what was certainly a devastating blow. Your message may help other Doodle owners avoid the loss of their own darlings. I hope your pain is less and your memories of Bending are sweeter each day.

[Christine & Shelby]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Bindi. Hugs to you!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I feel so sad for you. Rest in peace Bindi.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family

[DJ & Chance]

Oh, how sad this is for you.  Rest in peace, Bindi.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Oh, what a horror--I am so so sorry for your loss--you did everything you could and that must make you feel a bit better-but this is a heartbreaker for sure.

[Bren & Reagan]

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for so many caring thoughts I have received over the weekend.  With many tears and a heavy heart I was able to post what happened to my precious Bindi.  The community here on Doodle Kisses have wonderful hearts and I thank you so very much.  

Hugs,

Bren