Canine polymyositis occurs when a dog's immune system begins to attack its muscles, resulting in inflammation, weakness and weight loss. The disease has the potential to cause permanent damage to a dog's muscles, but fortunately treatments are available to help manage the condition.
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Function
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The aim of treatment for canine polymyositis is to suppress the dog's immune system in order to stop the damaging effect upon its muscles, explains Davies Veterinary Specialists.
Types of Medications
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The most commonly prescribed medications for canine polymyositis are steroid medications like prednisone and prednisolone, reports Davies Veterinary Specialists. Veterinarians may also prescribe other medications instead of or in addition to steroids, including cyclosporin, mycophenolate and cytarabide.
Time Frame
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When prescribing prednisone for canine polymyositis, vets usually recommend 1 to 2 mg of the drug for each kg a dog weighs per day until the effects of the condition cease, according to the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine.
Risks
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In some cases, prolonged use of steroids like prednisone or prednisolone results in dysfunction of the adrenal glands in a dog, which can lead to excessive urination and thirst, cautions Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Dogs receiving steroids for canine polymyositis may also become more susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Considerations
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About half of all dogs that develop polymyositis require continuous use of low-dose corticosteroid medications to prevent the disease from returning right away, explains the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine. In others, the condition may completely disappear only to return again months or years later and require a second course of treatment.
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