Myositis in dogs

The muscular frame for dogs is an important component that guarantees the full life of the animal. However, this system is often broken, which significantly worsens the condition of the whole organism. Myositis in dogs refers to the pathological conditions of muscle tissue, the inflammatory process in which can not only complicate the movement of the pet, but also completely immobilize it. There are several types of the disease, the clinical picture of which varies, but one thing unites them - muscles are affected.

Traumatic myositis

The name of this type of myositis speaks for itself - inflammatory processes in the muscles develops as a result of injuries - open wounds, bruises, muscle tears or sprains.

Traumatic myositis is accompanied by the following symptoms in dogs:

the dog has a reduced appetite ;
the animal is restricted in movement, motor activity is reduced;
palpation (palpation) reveals swelling in the area of muscle tissue.

They can be different in size, accompanied by pain. When touched, it is felt that the tissues are hot, skin damage is noticeable on the surface. In those places where there are breaks in the skin, the formation of purulent fluid associated with the development of hematomas is often observed.

The muscle that is affected by the disease becomes more voluminous.

Treatment of this type of myositis in dogs includes the following procedures:

putting cold objects on the affected place (first two days);
the use of a short procaine block with the addition of an antibiotic ;
after that, warming procedures are used - compresses, paraffin applications;
therapeutic massage (only after the complete elimination of pain).

If the pet has developed a chronic form of traumatic myositis, then to eliminate muscle growths, tissue replenishment, ointments and creams that have an irritating effect, and procedures of medical ultrasound are used. Special seams are imposed on the muscle breaks.

The time of cure and the consequences of this type of myositis depend directly on the complexity of the tissue damage. If we are talking about minor injuries, the forecasts are quite favorable. The resulting hemorrhages are absorbed, and all signs of the disease go away, it can take from three to 15 days.

In more complex cases, the course of the disease is long, hematomas do not completely dissolve. In addition, the formation of blood cysts or ulcers in damaged tissues. In some cases, the degeneration of muscle fibers occurs, the complications of this phenomenon include:

shortening of the affected muscle;
atrophic changes;
irreversible muscle function disorder.

Cysts and purulent formations are subject to dissection, treatment is carried out in the same way as for other wounds.

Purulent form of myositis

This kind of myositis is infectious in nature - pathogenic pathogen penetrates into the area of damaged tissues - staphylococcus , Escherichia coli, streptococcus. This may occur due to accidental injury of the animal, injection procedures without the use of asepsis and antiseptics, as well as the spread of purulent process from other tissues and organs.

Clinical signs of purulent myositis include the following conditions:

the animal is in a depressed state, lethargy and low activity is noted;
while feeling the dog feels severe pain;
muscles are in a tense state;
body temperature is elevated.

With the development of the disease in the center of the swollen area appears softening, which is a sure sign of the development of an abscess. Later, the death of muscle fibers and their collapse. Extracted by puncture, the fluid has a purulent character, dark brown color, very often contains gases.

At the initial stage of the disease, the veterinarian conducts a short block with novocaine and antibiotics, and intramuscular injections of antibiotics are also put. For internal use are prescribed drugs from the class of sulfonamides.

The resulting abscesses in the clinic are opened, the purulent fluid is removed. Drainage of the cavity formed is performed by balsamic liniment (according to Vishnevsky), an emulsion solution of a streptocide, or a syntomycin ointment.

Complications of purulent myositis include diffuse inflammation, in this case, purulent exudate often penetrates muscle tissue and provokes the formation of cellulitis. This phenomenon is accompanied by purulent fever. Suppuration is localized between the muscle fibers, extending to the tendon plates. Smoothing of the intermuscular gutter occurs, and in the area of the inflammation center, collateral puffiness develops in the subcutaneous layers.

Rheumatic myositis

This type of myositis has an infectious-allergic etiology; neuro-dystrophic processes occur in the connective tissues of the muscles during the course of the disease. It can flow in both acute and chronic form.

The exact causes of rheumatic myositis have not yet been identified, but there are signs of allergic and infectious (against the background of hemolytic streptococci) nature.

Among factors contributing to the development of the disease are the following:

frequent and prolonged catarrhal diseases ;
a sharp overcooling of the body (swimming in reservoirs, falling under the rain, often the dogs are supercooled when they run away from the owners and wander for a long time, walking after taking a bath);
tendency to allergic reactions ;
advanced age;
obesity;
weak immune system.

Most often, rheumatic myositis is affected by working dogs of hunting and herding breeds. The disease is always accompanied by pain in the damaged muscles. Dogs with myositis try to move less, whine and scream when touched. It is difficult for pets to rise from a lying position, when walking it is noticeable that they are tense.

Defecation of a pet is difficult, it can moan at this time, and sometimes cannot go to the toilet at all . If the lesion has affected only certain muscle groups, then the signs of myositis are less pronounced.

The lumbar and back muscles are more likely to suffer from the rheumatic type of the disease. Any, even the most insignificant movement, in this case, is extremely painful, the animal appears noticeably hunched.

When spreading rheumatoid damage, the cervical and occipital region are involved. In such a situation, it is very difficult for a dog to eat, because, due to pain, it can neither lift nor lower its head. And, besides, rheumatism can affect the muscles responsible for chewing, then the pet can not eat at all. When the muscles of the limbs are affected, the animal begins to limp.

On palpation of the site of localization of the disease, you can feel the muscular tension and their swelling, the pet at that moment feels severe pain.

With the exacerbation of rheumatic myositis, a sharp increase in temperature can be observed, in severe cases of pain can move from one muscle group to another. Against the background of a chronic illness, muscular atrophy occurs.

Treatment of the disease is complex:

If the dog is kept on a chain or in an open-air cage, it is necessary to put it in a warm room.
To eliminate the pathogenic B-hemolytic bacterium Streptococcus antibiotic therapy is used intramuscularly (Penicillin, Bicillin-3, etc.). For a positive effect, the loading dose is calculated.
For internal administration, agents with a specific antirheumatic effect are prescribed - Brufen, Butadione, sodium salicylate.
To relieve pain, inject Analgin (subcutaneously or inside the muscle tissue).
An effective procedure in this case is blood transfusion (the blood must be stabilized by sodium salicylate);
Often, therapy supplemented with glucocorticoid drugs.

The following procedures also give a positive result - UHF, light irradiation, therapeutic massage. It is helpful to rub the affected muscles with irritant liniment. For these purposes, you can prepare a special mixture of bleached and camphor oil, salicylic acid and methyl ester. Using this method with the subsequent wrapping provides effective pain relief.