Question about my dog

[Chadd77]

I have a 9.5 year old male fawn boxer. About 5 months ago he seemed to start breathing out the side of his mouth when he got excited. I took him to the vet and they could also hear it but really didn't understand why. They weren’t too concerned but did blood work and Xrays just to be safe. Everything came back clean. Then about 2 months ago he stated having problems eating. He seemed to choke a lot during eating and drinking. I took him back in and they did more xrays and blood work but nothing showed up as red flag. Next they wanted to put him under to look in his throat. While he was under they noticed that his jaw was fused. He is only able to open it about 2-3 inches. They told me that they thought it was Masticatory muscle myositis (Masticatory muscle myositis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) It is a inflammatory disease in dogs affecting the muscles of mastification (chewing). They way they treat it is with steroids. I was told in 5-6 weeks it should be better. It has been 5 weeks and it has not improved at all. They are really puzzled and are unsure what else to test for or how to treat it. My concern is that it will get worse and he will be unable to eat/drink. He lost a decent amount of weight and I had to switch him to soft food mixed in with his normal food. He has put some weight back on but still has difficulty eating/drinking. Has anyone else ever experienced this with their dog? I would greatly appreciate it if anyone has any input.

[Shibby]

Bump to keep this up top.

I don't have a lot of dealings with dogs though.

[Bouncer]

i have never really heard of that bro. i sure hope everything is ok though. definitely keep on the vet and let them know it isnt working.

[FitnessBrat]

Aww - I hope your pup is okay..

[The_Grinder]

Chad, any updates bro? I was actually talking to my fiance about your Boxer's condition the other day. I sure hope he's doing better. I know that dogs you've had that long are definately part of the family. I said a little prayer for him whenever it crossed my mind. Let us know how things are going...

[ROCKILLER]

My family and I have had loads of Boxers and I have never experienced what you are talking about. It doesnt sound breed specific like the hip problems older Boxers get.

I dont mean to get you down by saying this but I think you should feel very lucky to have had your dog this long. 9.5 years is a really good run for a Boxer, many of them don't live that long. I hope he gets better though.

[Chadd77]

Chad, any updates bro? I was actually talking to my fiance about your Boxer's condition the other day. I sure hope he's doing better. I know that dogs you've had that long are definately part of the family. I said a little prayer for him whenever it crossed my mind. Let us know how things are going...

Nothing new to report. This Tuesday will be 6 weeks on the steroids and there is no sign of improvement. I'm taking him in this week for more blood work. It sucks. I wish he could just talk to me and tell me if he is feeling any discomfort. Thanks for thinking of him and keeping him in your prayers Grinder. That's really cool of you.

[Chadd77]

My family and I have had loads of Boxers and I have never experienced what you are talking about. It doesnt sound breed specific like the hip problems older Boxers get.

I dont mean to get you down by saying this but I think you should feel very lucky to have had your dog this long. 9.5 years is a really good run for a Boxer, many of them don't live that long. I hope he gets better though.

It is not breed specific. And since it doesn't seem like it is Masticatory muscle myositis, so they really are unsure what it is and how to treat it.

I do feel lucky to have had him for 9.5 years. He's an awesome dog. Such personality and character. But I want hom around for another 50 years!!