Inflammatory Myopathy in Dogs

Category: Muscle
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 5

Overview

Inflammation within muscle can damage the tissue and leave a dog weak, sore or less able to move normally. This group of disorders includes illnesses linked to an abnormal immune response, infections and some inherited problems. Inherited muscle inflammation has also been described in particular dog families. Some dogs develop signs suddenly, while others have recurring or gradually worsening problems.

Signs to watch for

Weakness or less energy than usual
Difficulty walking or an altered stride
Painful or tender muscles
Weight loss or muscles becoming smaller
Difficulty swallowing in some forms

Onset varies by form; some inherited forms begin in puppies, while polymyositis can affect adults.

When to get help Book a vet visit promptly for muscle weakness, pain or difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis and tests

Blood tests can reveal muscle damage, including a rise in creatine kinase, a muscle enzyme. Vets may also record the muscles' electrical activity and examine a muscle biopsy, a small tissue sample. These investigations help identify muscle inflammation. In some inherited forms, genetic investigations can identify a linked variant, but genetic risk alone does not establish active disease.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Medium

Nederlandse KooikerhondjeMedium · Sporting Group
Dutch ShepherdMedium · Miscellaneous Class

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.