Foamy Mouth, Hanging Tongue

[DwightsMom]

Thanks for the update! I hope he feels better ASAP!

[brumzoo]

Fingers crossed that the meds do the trick! 

[cheekybulldog]

Sounds like your new Vet is awesome! We'll keep fingers ad toes crossed for you

[DaBabaDoo]

That sounds like really good news, considering what you've been through with him.  Good luck with everything and keep up posted

[AngelaD]

Thanks, everyone! I'm soo glad we decided to go to a new vet. I feel horrible seeing Julio struggle to eat but I feel like we're on the right path.

The vet we saw on Saturday, Dr. B, was off today so we saw Dr. A instead. He said he called her to discuss the blood panel results and she mentioned the possibility of a tumor in Julio's mouth so he double-checked to be sure and said he didn't feel anything. He asked us a bunch of questions, fed Julio and watched him (try to) eat, and then said he thought it was very likely that Julio has Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM), based on what he saw and his globulin levels.

He's going to talk to Dr. B in the morning and if she agrees with him, they'll call us and have Julio come back in tomorrow for more blood and to start treatment. If he's right, we should see improvement in a few days... if not, then we'll revisit the idea of a possible tumor and go from there.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/masticatory-muscle-myositis/page1.aspx

So, we'll see how it goes tomorrow... I feel good about this tho... very anxious to have my pup feeling better again!! 

[DaBabaDoo]

Wishing all the best and a quick recovery.  MMM doesn't sound too bad and it's good to know that it is treatable.

[Charlies Mom]

Sounds like you are on the right path! Glad you are getting some answers, hope your little guy is all better soon 

[buddha]

I'm so glad to hear that you might have gotten to the bottom of Julio's issues.  Please keep us posted on how he's doing.    

[Jerr_N_Tiff]

Woo hooooooo...  nothing better then a diagnosis to explain things and to give you something to work off of.  I so hope your little guy feels better soon!

[AngelaD]

Thanks, y'all.

We are starting day 3 of Prednisone. So far, so good! We should have the blood test results back in 2 weeks to confirm MMM.

I know it's probably too early to tell if it's working, but he ate a whole cup and a half of food this morning without me having to help him. That's major! I was so giddy, I mass-emailed our family and friends to let them know. hehe

[Jerr_N_Tiff]

If you do get a diagnosis I hope you write up an article in General health of his symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment so that you can hopefully help some other bully owner    I know I'd be interested in reading it.

[AngelaD]

The vet did say it was a pretty rare condition but I'd love to write something, just in case other parents experience this same problem.

We went in for a check-up today. He's lost 4 lbs since Monday but does show signs of improvement so we're going to stay the course until the results come in and add a mid-day meal to help him gain some weight. He was acting like a clown at the vet's office... a sure sign that he's feeling better.

[AngelaD]

ARGH!!!!!

The test results came back NEGATIVE for MMM. 
We'll be going back in on Saturday to discuss the results with Dr. A... and I guess, to plan the next step. I'm kind of shocked. I really expected a positive result since the Prednisone seems to be helping him. The foam is almost gone. He seems to have more use of his tongue, which is not hanging out so much anymore. He's eating 3 cups a day, all without help from me. He's moving his head more. He's bouncy and has been pulling on his leash like he used to.

I'm glad that he doesn't have MMM and won't need to spend the rest of his life on meds... but at the same time I'm just really confused and worried that his problem might be something worse. 

[DaBabaDoo]

Well, think positive.  Maybe he was just suffering from some allergic attack that is not very common, or a bacterial thing...Maybe the pred did the trick and he'll be fine from here on out...That's what I'll hope for anyway, let us know what the Doc says next and stay positive