Meeko -new member

[Meeko]

Meeko is One of my family's dearly loved dachshunds. He illness began in September when he was occasionally refusing to eat. After numerous trips to the vet, He has very recently been diagnosed with Myositis which has rapidly affected all his muscles. Our family veterinary hospital referred him to an emergency care veterinary center just before Thanksgiving due to heart arrhythmia/ myocarditis, followed by breathing issues due to pulmonary edema. He spent two weekends with urgent care, he is now under the care of a certified cardiologist who is working with an internal medicine specialist to try to treat him. He is home today on a lot of meds, his heart and lungs are greatly improved, he is on pregnazone, cyclosporine, antibiotics etc.  We are waiting for tests results, to rule out parasites but our Dr. feels this is autoimmune and is treating him for this. Poor little guy went from 19 lbs to 14 lbs in two months time. He is very weak. It has been challenging getting him to eat and take his meds. It is very heartbreaking to watch him go through this. Found this site looking for support and advice. Thank You 🙏

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi and welcome

I am sorry Meeko has myositis.  You have done the right thing by taking him to see a specialist and now Meeko is being treated with immunosuppressive drugs and you are seeing an improvement, he is hopefully on they way to remission. 

Myositis is a very painful and debilitating condition but as soon as the immune system is brought under control and the damage halted you can see  obvious signs of improvement and much less pain.   If he is having problems eating then you may have to raise his bowl and monitor him whilst he eats and drinks, making sure the food has a smooth transition down his oesophagus to avoid choking.

Is Meeko having a gastroprotectant?  If he isn't then perhaps you should ask the specialist to prescribe something like omeprazole or ranitidine to avoid any stomach ulcerations that may be caused by the drugs.

I have had a dog with myositis and he reached remission with the correct medication.  The hard part, such as obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment,  is over for Meeko, so with the watchful eye of your specialist I hope you will see much improvement and he will get back to being a happy dog again.

Jo