Miley is having a muscle biopsy done today to try to get to the bottom of her problems.

Started late this summer when she had basically a "hot spot" on her flank. She licked at it quite a bit, so I put her in a cone, benadryl and that seemed to really help. As that started to resolve, she started licking at her paws. Into the vet she went. She received a long acting allergy shot. Not really of help. More paw licking to the point the sores were so bad she just hobbled. Got around the cone no matter what. She went back into the vet, had blood work and xrays done. Nothing seemed to amiss thankfully. She was put on an antibiotic, oral allergy med, anti-inflammatory. These seemed to help, her paws healed up, and the licking basically ceased.

Fast forward to the past two months or so. Now her ears have developed crusty sores. In she goes to the vet, more blood work, xrays again. They look at thyroid, cancer, Addison's. Doesn't seem to be the case. New and most worrisome, she has some muscle wasting going on, noticeable in her head, but also throughout her body. Hence the muscle biopsy for masticatory muscle myositis.

So today we wait on the vet yet again, and depending on what the biopsy does/does not show, we will be asking the vet to send her tests to OSU for a consult. We are just frustrated as the repeated visits, tests, meds, etc. just aren't producing an answer. If any one has an ideas, experienced anything similar I am would like to know.

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Jessica, Andrew & Ian. Royal & Miley (the hounds) + the kitties.

I have no advice for you, but hoping you find a positive solution for your girl. I do think a second opinion is right and Dr. Couto would be one I would contact. He was part of OSU and an expert on greyhounds. He is now in private practice and part of the greyhound health initiative.
Please keep us updated on your progress.

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Jaime w/ Pitch,Ranger,Star & Bridge Angels Kahn, Belle & kitty Mel

Sorry - no advice or experience here either. But I certainly hope you can find a solution to this mystery. You'll be in my prayers.

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Phyllis and Eleazar and Tabitha - Watertown (and Aaron and Mojo and Miri, gone but still loved)

Miley's biopsy results were back today and are positive for masticatory muscle myositis. She is starting steroids immediately. We are glad to have an answer, but it is scary as her body is attacking itself, hence the muscle wasting. Hopefully our poor girl is now on an upswing with new treatment.

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Jessica, Andrew & Ian. Royal & Miley (the hounds) + the kitties.

Hope the steroids help Miley and you see improvement fast. It is good to know what the issue is so you can find a solution.
Thank you for keeping us updated.

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Jaime w/ Pitch,Ranger,Star & Bridge Angels Kahn, Belle & kitty Mel

Sadly Miley's fight ended at the beginning of March. I think her body couldn't take anymore. She woke up one morning with a badly swollen, inflamed leg and the x-rays indicated osteo. We had to say goodbye. Our tough girl fought very hard.

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Jessica, Andrew & Ian. Royal & Miley (the hounds) + the kitties.