Miosite dos músculos mastigatórios: relato de caso

Abstract

Inflammatory process preceded by autoimune reactions, of unknown aetilogic origin, is recognize as myositis of masticatory muscles. This condition affects more often young and middle-aged dogs, large in size, occurring acutely or chronically. The acute phase of myositis of masticatory muscles is characterized by edema and pain of masseter and temporal muscles, and it may be evidenced, in some cases, by exophthalmos. In chronic stage, the most striking clinical signs are the atrophy of the muscles mentioned above and the difficulty of opening of jaw opening. It diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination of patient, and laboratory tests, being muscle biopsy the most safe and definitive one; while treatment is conducted by corticosteroid pasty diet implementation. The aim of this monografh was to report a case of myositis of masticatory muscles in a seven-year old female mongrel dog, which presented trismus for three consecutive days. The diagnosis was established from clinical signs and history of patient, and it clinical improvement was determined by immunosupressive therapy use. Thus, it was concluded that the early diagnosis of this clinical condition, as well as, the appropriate therapy implementation are paramount for the resolution of the myositis of masticatory muscles and welfare of the patient.