Masticatory Muscle Myositis in Welsh Terriers: Symptoms & Care

The Welsh terrier is a charming but less common native UK breed. Known for their intelligence, tenacity, and strong prey drive, Welsh terriers make excellent lively family pets. They tend to live around 12-13 years but can be prone to hereditary health concerns, including masticatory muscle myositis (MMM).

What is Masticatory Muscle Myositis?

MMM is an autoimmune disorder where the dog's immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles it uses to chew and move the jaw. This results in painful inflammation and swelling of the jaw muscles, often causing an inability to open the mouth, trouble eating, drinking, or picking up toys.

Recognising Symptoms of MMM in Welsh Terriers

• Jaw and facial swelling that feels warm in the early stages.
• Muscle wasting around the jaw leading to changes in skull shape and sunken eyes.
• Severe jaw pain and inability to open the mouth as the condition progresses.
• Difficulty eating and drinking due to pain and limited jaw movement.

Early signs can be subtle, so vigilance from owners is essential. Prompt veterinary assessment is important if you observe these symptoms.

Diagnosing MMM in Welsh Terriers

Your vet will usually perform a physical examination but definitive diagnosis may require specialised testing. This can include a muscle biopsy to assess inflammation or a blood test for antibodies against masticatory muscles, a newer test which is becoming more common in the UK.

Treatment and Prognosis

MMM is typically treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation and achieve remission. Many dogs respond well and can lead comfortable lives, although some require ongoing low-dose medication to manage flare-ups.

Adjusting your dog’s diet to softer foods can help reduce discomfort during treatment. Successful early intervention offers a good prognosis but monitoring for recurrences is necessary.

Causes and Risk Factors

MMM in Welsh terriers is hereditary, meaning dogs inherit susceptibility from parents. Environmental triggers such as infections or stress may activate the condition in predisposed dogs. The exact triggers can vary and are not fully understood.

Breeding Considerations and Responsible Ownership

Because MMM is passed genetically, dogs diagnosed with this condition should not be bred. If you are looking to find a Welsh terrier puppy, it's crucial to choose reputable breeders who test their breeding stock carefully and prioritise health.

As responsible owners, early recognition and prompt veterinary care are essential steps to improve the wellbeing of affected Welsh terriers.

Conclusion

Masticatory muscle myositis is a serious but manageable autoimmune disorder in Welsh terriers. Understanding the disease, recognising symptoms early, and working closely with your vet to provide treatment can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life. Always consider ethical breeding practices to help reduce the condition's occurrence in future generations.