Snitch

I don't have any info that could help you, but wanted to send (((Hugs))). 

No experience, but here are some links:

http://www.michvet.com/library/neurology_masticatory_myositis.asp
"Recovery is usually rapid and complete if treatment is begun early.  Dogs with the chronic form of masticatory myositis, who have extensive fibrosis, may not respond well to therapy. "
http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/cases/1999/may99.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_masticatory_myositis.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masticatory_muscle_myositis
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/masticatory-muscle-myositis/page1.aspx
http://www.fecava.org/files/ejcap/152.pdf

How long has Snitch had this problem?  Can he eat?  Have the vets talked about him perhaps needing a feeding tube?

 he has no problem eating cant open his mouth all the way cant yawn wont play with toys or other dogs wont let us near his mouth vet had to knock him out to look in his mouth  yelped  even while out he has lost muscle mass above both eyes sunk in to his skull we just try to avoid head contact have spent many nights on computer reading about disease we have never felt so helpless I would give anything just to see him run and play even with him in the other room I can hear him breathing meds cause heavy panting.This all started on oct 6th with what we thought to be a seizure.

Since you have already done a lot of reading the links I suggested probably won't help.

This is a neurological condition.  Have you tried the NeuroDogs Yahoo group?   http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/neurodogs/

Snitch n alabama

he has lost muscle mass above both eyes sunk in to his skull

L-Glutamine (an amino acid) helps with muscle atrophy problems -

Dosage: Give daily in these amounts: 500 mg per 30 pounds of body weight

Have you considered adding a vet that uses Chinese Medicine?  There is a vet locator here:  http://www.tcvm.com/

Since you are dealing with an immune system problem, a TCVM practioner would work on boosting the immune system.  He/she would not replace your current vet but would augment the traditional treatment. 

Combining traditional medicine and Chinese medicine can sometimes solve problems where traditional medicine alone fails!! 

janet_rose

Have you considered adding a vet that uses Chinese Medicine?  There is a vet locator here:  http://www.tcvm.com/

Since you are dealing with an immune system problem, a TCVM practioner would work on boosting the immune system.  He/she would not replace your current vet but would augment the traditional treatment. 

Combining traditional medicine and Chinese medicine can sometimes solve problems where traditional medicine alone fails!! 

She beat me to it (atta girl Janet!!)

I don't have specific experience with this particular disease, but I **DO** have a lot of experience with auto-immune diseases (both with my dogs and MYSELF) and absolutely you need to see a TCVM practitioner (and maybe a vet who does homotoxicology as well but I can talk to you about that later).

Because this has so much to do with inflammation and joints in the mouth/head acupuncture is going to help enormously.  It is awesome to help reduce inflammation and help healing occur.  (it's one of the primary uses of acupuncture, in fact)

they also can help mitigate some of the damage with the immune system.

The other thing I'm going to ask right off -- are you using milk thistle?  (It comes in a tincture so no pills to prod him with).  Milk thistle will help protect his body from the harsh drugs (it protects and detoxes the liver and in bigger doses helps protect the kidneys). 

You're absolutely welcome to email me -- I can help you in locating a good TCVM vet and I have MUCH experience in how they work, what to expect, etc.  Don't just try to find the closest one - you want a GOOD one for this.  This is NOT instead of your regular vet ... this is "complimentary therapy" -- they'll work WITH your vet. 

this WILL help with the pain -- in a big way.  I've had rheumatoid arthritis and really bad psoriasis for many years (the rheumatoid since I was a kid and I'm in my 50's) -- I use acupuncture myself to keep on my feet.  I can't take the big NSAIDs at all  and yes, I have debilitating arthritis.  That's like saying you're hungry and can't tolerate food?  So I  utilize a lot of alternative stuff -- but not to the exclusion of good medicine. 

Trust me -- I've been where you are -- researching until you want to sob with what you find.  But this will help -- it really will.  Callie

 Just wanted to thank everyone that tried to help. Snitch had to seizures back to back friday morning around 5 am never recovered fully I layed with him on the floor most of the day .My husband and I took him yesterday morning to vet ,she told us liver was going causing toxins to build up in brain which would cause seizures .It was the hardest thing we have had to do but I know we had to .I never thought I could miss him so much !

I am so sorry to read about your loss. My thoughts are with you.

My heart goes out to you and your family.  The hardest things to deal with are those things out of our control.  Know that you did your very best.  Know that you gave Snitch the very best life.  He loves you and awaits.  Sending strength to you and yours.

Even not knowing you, this is very hard to hear.  I'm so sorry your dog's condition deteriorated so quickly.  Very sad. 

It's clear you were working with your Vet and were right on top of what could be done for Snitch.   One can only do their best at these times.  I'm sure losing Snitch has made a big hole in your heart full of pain.   May you fill that hole with only good memories of Snitch in time.  Be kind to yourselves.  It's just plain awful to lose a beloved companion.

There are times when releasing them from pain is simply the best thing you can do.  Our thots are with you **hugs**

 oh so sad - lots of hugs to all of you!