Ask-a-Vet: Question and Answer
Question:
Pet Info:
Species: Canine
Breed: Shepherd Mix
Sex: Female
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Age: 1.5 years
Weight: 45.0 pounds
7/8/2012 3:44:40 PM
My dog (Zoe) has started to have rapid muscle deterioration in her face, below and above her eyes. It started 4 days ago and has got worse. I took her to my vet and he doesnt know what it is has some ideas but thats about it. The thing is shes only 1.5, isnt having any problems chewing, doesnt have a fever, isnt being lazy, is not in pain, and seems normal but is not. Her new symptom is that when she opens her mouth her eyes get puuled back into her eye socket, then when she closes her mouth its back to normal. I think thats happening bc the lack of muscle but idk im not a vet. My vet but her on Prednisone 5mg pills, 2 pills twice a day (so 4 a day). He did that so we could rule out some things. I know there is MMM and EOM, my doc also said something about it could be autoimmune or a thyroid condition. I just want to know is anyone has any other ideas or has seen this before. Its happening so fast its scary.
Answer:
7/8/2012 6:03:51 PM
If the treatment does not help further testing including a full blood panel with thyroid included. A muscle biopsy may also be indicated.
Tom Carpenter, DVM
www.newportharborvets.com
Answered by:
Dr Carpenter is a former president of AAHA. He owns Newport Harbor Animal Hospital in Costa Mesa, CA. NHAH has been accredited by AAHA for over 25 years.
