MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -What is masticatory myositis? Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is an immune system disorder in which the dog’s immune system identifies the dog’s own muscle tissue as foreign and attacks it. The masticatory muscles are the muscles involved with chewing. MMM causes these muscles to become swollen and painful.

Detailed explanation-2: -Shelton agrees that MMM is not purely a genetic disease. “Hormonal, environmental and other unknown factors come into play, ‘’ she says. The genes responsible for a dog’s susceptibility to autoimmune diseases are part of the major histocompatibility complex.

Detailed explanation-3: -Initial diagnostic testing should include a complete blood count and serum chemistry profile, including a creatine kinase (CK) level. Biochemical changes that have been documented in patients with masticatory muscle myositis include hyperglobulinemia, mild anemia, and proteinuria.

Detailed explanation-4: -Masticatory myositis is an immune-mediated, inflammatory condition that affects the muscles of mastication. The exact cause is unknown. Specific autoantibodies directed against type II muscle fibers have been detected in affected animals. In acute cases, muscles are swollen, and there is difficulty in opening the jaw.