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With the advent of the internet it is not unusual for clients
to make a tentative diagnosis of their pet's symptoms. In
this instance, the odd appearance of "Ace's" eyes
drew the owner, not unreasonably, to assume that his dog
was suffering from bacterial "conjunctivitis".
A relatively common condition this is easily treated with
the daily application of medication. What made this case
literally "stand out" was the rather peculiar
way that "Ace's" eyes bulged slightly from their
sockets pushing the third eyelids into a more prominent
position.
Further questioning of the owners also revealed that "Ace"
hadn't been quite himself for a few days which is not typical
for a more simple conjunctivitis. It became apparent to
me that we were dealing with a relatively rare disease that
I last came across around 5 years ago called "masticatory
myositis".
This condition, confirmed by biopsy of "Ace's"
head muscle is a bizarre immune mediated condition often
seen in German Shepherd dogs. This particular design fault
causes his immune system to attack the muscle fibres of
his head. This then inflames the muscles and makes them
swell. The muscles controlling eye movement are also affected
and encased within the boney orbit or chamber of the eye,
push the eyeball forward causing some considerable discomfort.
Fortunately,medication rapidly controls the disease and
the swelling and inflammation can be contained. Relapses
can occur but are also usually very responsive to on going
treatment.
Whilst I'm sure this episode will not deter his owner from
continuing his trawling of the internet, it is reassuring
to know that not every service is available online!
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