A Year Later

This was an important day for us. It was one year ago last Wednesday that Samba was diagnosed with Masticatory Muscle Myositis. In that time we heard of a couple other dogs with MMM dying and Samba also developed facial paralysis, first on one side, then on both.  Samba and Morgan had appointments to see Dr B today. 

First things first. They both got baths.

 Then this afternoon we drove to the clinic. Both girls had checkups and had blood taken.

 Samba went first. The paralysis is almost gone. Her blink reflex isn't perfect, but it's good enough to keep her eyes moist without ointments or drops. She no longer drools or drops her food. Her coat has grown in completely and although it's not as curly as it used to be, it covers her body and is nice and soft.  The muscles surrounding the damaged jaw muscles have taken over and she has about 85% use of her jaw. She's not showing any major side effects from the prednisone and Dr B was so pleased with her progress that we've decided not to change her dosage. We'll reevaluate in six months. Samba also lost three pounds so she's nice and trim again.

 Then it was Morgan's turn. Morgan just turned eleven, so she's a senior citizen now. She has a little cyst behind her ear that we'll have taken off sometime in the next couple months. Morgan has lost four pounds in the last six months and her checkup was great. Dr B said that two years ago he wasn't sure she'd make it thru the year, but now she's doing so well that he thinks she could live to be in the 13 - 15 year range.

 We'll have the blood tests results back on Monday, but  we don't expect any big surprises. Needless to say, I was thrilled with today's visit. My girls are both doing great.