Masticatory Muscle Myositis (MMM) Treatment By Ayurveda
ABSTRACT
Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is an immune system disorder in dogs. Autoimmune disease is when a dog’s body attacks its own body system. This term is immune-mediated in veterinary science. It is a network of white blood cells, antibodies and other body defenses which is helpful in fighting against infections and foreign substances, including bacteria and viruses. It can be life-threatening to dogs because the immune system rejects the organs. The immune system comprises 2 types- innate (already present) and adaptive (created when it came in contact with foreign substances). They affect various ranges of the body system and can lead to autoimmune diseases such as Leaky Gut syndrome causing inflammation and allowing toxins to move into the bloodstream. It affects the skin, connective tissue, nerves and muscles and red blood cells. In this article, we are going to discuss the main causes, symptoms and ayurvedic aspects of Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) in detail.
INTRODUCTION
Masticatory muscle myositis is an inflammatory disease which affects the dog’s muscles which is helpful in mastication. It is also known as atrophic myositis and eosinophilic myositis. This disease mainly affects breeds such as German Shepherd dogs and Cavalier king Charles spaniels, retrieving breeds such as labradors and golden. It is inflammatory myopathy which shows the difficulty in an inability to open the jaw and in jaw pain. Myositis means the inflammation of muscle (swelling). It usually affects the Type 2M muscle fibres which are unique to the temporalis and masseter muscles of the head and jaw. It can affect the trigeminal nerve, leading to atrophy of muscles so the dog cannot open the jaw. IgG is directed against these muscles on the myofiber, not on the skeletal muscle. The immune system recognises the protein as foreign and attacks them which further results in inflammation. Masticatory muscle myositis occurs in both male and female breeds. This disease is bilateral in nature and in chronic MMM cases, atrophy of the masticatory leads to scarring due to fibrosis which results in the ability to open the mouth (Trismus).
FACTS
- It is due to the fact that infectious agents such as a virus and parasites affect the muscle.
- It directly affects the muscle (immune-mediated myositis) which produces antibodies which target the parts of muscle which are found in masticatory muscle and sometimes it becomes overexcited and attacks the muscle.
- Sometimes it is also related to cancer, as inflammation is seen which turns into cancerous with time and sometimes it may trigger the immune reaction to muscle.
SUSCEPTIBLE BREEDS TO MMM?
The average age of MMM is 3 years but can be seen at 4 months of age with this disease. Can be seen in several breeds which include-
- Golden retrievers
- German shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Weimaraners
- Large breed dogs (Doberman pinschers)
CAUSES
- Infections- It can be due to viruses or certain bacteria which further cause inflammation within the masticatory muscles.
- Abnormal immune reactions– Outer foreign reactions against body muscles causes inflammation.
- Increase in the immunoglobulin G to fiber protein myosin a component of muscle.
- Exposure to environmental toxins and various allergens
SYMPTOMS
- Lethargy
- Low appetite
- Drooling
- Anorexia and weight loss
- Shrinkage of muscles as the bone of the head becomes prominent.
- Weakness
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
- Eyes become swollen and protrude outwards
- Unable to open mouth and difficulty in moving the jaw.
- The progression of the disease leads to muscular atrophy of masseter muscle.
- Muscular atrophy
- Ocular discomfort
DIAGNOSIS
- Blood tests
- Biopsy of the muscle
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Serum chemistry tests include Creatine kinase (CK).
TREATMENT
- Corticosteroids- immunosuppressive doses until the steroids reduce pain and inflammation.
- Analgesics
- Mandibular luxation (dislocation)
AYURVEDIC ASPECT
Pashu chikitsa is a part of ayurveda which gives us all the information regarding diseases of animals. In ayurveda, masticatory muscle myositis is correlated with an imbalance of tridoshas. An imbalance of doshas leads to the building up of the ama (endotoxins) in the body. This endotoxin (AMA) is only responsible for autoimmune conditions in the body. This Ama dosha attacks the masticatory muscle which further leads to inflammation and low immunity. Mainly there is the aggravation of Kapha doshas which further leads to inflammation, then there is vitiation of Vata doshas which leads to weakness and alterations in the functions of muscles which later on leads to paralysis. So the first line of treatment should be to eliminate the ama doshas and help to pacify the Vata and Kapha doshas. In ayurveda, Ama causes stagnation which inhibits the supply of nutrients and oxygenated blood in the body. There are many herbs which have therapeutic effects not only on humans but on dogs as well. It is helpful in balancing tridoshas but restores health to a certain extent and manages the condition naturally.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AMA (Endotoxins)
- Clogging of the channels (which can be due to constipation, congestion and fibrocystic changes).
- Heaviness
- Indigestion
- Sexual debility
- Mental confusion
- Stiffness, swelling
- Lack of energy and low self-esteem.
HERBS USEFUL FOR MASTICATORY MUSCLE MYOSITIS
- NIRGUNDI-Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) is an ayurvedic herb which is a very good muscle relaxant, used in pain relieving. Nirgundi has various properties such as it has anti-inflammatory properties and hepatoprotective activity. Helpful in balancing the Vata and Kapha doshas. Useful in abdominal pain and in worm infestation and is light in nature. Helpful in improving menstrual flow and enhances the digestive fire, reducing the obstruction of ama (endotoxins).
- SHALLAKI- Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) is a famous herb which is helpful in muscular pains and is a substitute painkiller. Helpful in balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas. Improves nourishment and relieves pain so improves mobility and flexibility. Beneficial in female reproductive health and enhances circulation in females. Boswellia prevents cancerous growth and limits the spread of malignant leukemia.
- ASHWAGANDHA– Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the potent ayurvedic herbs which is helpful in strengthening the immune system. It is helpful in balancing tridoshas and managing the problems which are related to emaciation. Rich in antioxidants which boosts the immune system and enhances sexual disorders. Promotes healthy joints which provide relief in pain and swelling.
- GILOY- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a famous ayurvedic herb which is used in the treatment of urinary tract disorders, jaundice and in cardiac disorders. Useful in gouty arthritis and improves digestion power. Has rejuvenating properties and is helpful in eye disorders. It is rich in antioxidant properties and used in a variety of diseases such as in liver and spleen disorders. Used in the aphrodisiac treatment and in oligospermia.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR MASTICATORY MUSCLE MYOSITIS
Planet ayurveda is a GMP-certified ayurvedic clinic which formulates various remedies to prevent multiple health issues and relieve the disease of the diseased person. All the formulations are free from any kind of additives, color, resins and gums. These remedies are 100% pure and formulated under the guidance of M.D ayurveda practitioners so they do not cause any side effects and are taken under the advice of ayurvedic practitioners. For the purpose of management of masticatory muscle myositis, planet ayurveda provided herbal remedies which we will discuss further in the article in detail.
PRODUCTS LIST
- YOGRAJ GUGGUL
- JOINT AID PLUS
- BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
- BRAHMI CAPSULES
- CORAL CALCIUM COMPLEX
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Yograj Guggul
Yograj Guggul is a herbal tablet formulation made by planet ayurveda using various ingredients such as Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum) and many more. This tablet is helpful in providing strength to the muscles and pacifying the Vata doshas which prevent the degeneration of cells. Prevents the paralysis of masticatory muscle myositis.
Dosage- 3 tablets thrice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Joint Aid Plus
Joint Aid Plus are polyherbal capsules which are formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and many more. These capsules are helpful in boosting immunity and providing strength which regulates the masticatory muscles. It helps in reducing inflammation and thus pacifies the Kapha doshas which initiate the proper movement of the jaw.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia curcumin is a polyherbal capsule which is prepared by planet ayurveda using Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). These capsules have antioxidant properties which removes the ama doshas and boosts immunity. It has a rasayan effect which further prevents the degeneration of masticatory muscle myositis.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Brahmi Capsules
Brahmi Capsules are single herbal capsules from planet ayurveda using Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These capsules have nervine, antioxidant and Vata pacifying properties. Helpful in preventing damage to the brain and spinal cord which is helpful in muscle coordination.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
5. Coral Calcium Complex
Coral Calcium Complex is a polyherbal capsule which is made by the planet ayurveda using Coral (Praval pishti), Giloy (Guduchi), Pearl (Mukta pishti) and many more. It is helpful in the functioning of the jaw and regulates the symptoms such as chewing, swallowing and many other associated conditions. Provides strength to temporal and mandible bones.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
CONTACT PLANET AYURVEDA TO PROVIDE YOU THE COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040 OR CHECK WEBSITE – WWW.PLANETAYURVEDA.COM
CONCLUSION
Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is an immune system disorder in dogs. Autoimmune disease is when a dog’s body attacks its own body system. This disease mainly affects breeds such as German Shepherd dogs and Cavalier king Charles spaniels, retrieving breeds such as labradors and golden. It is inflammatory myopathy which shows the difficulty in an inability to open the jaw and in jaw pain. Myositis means the inflammation of muscle (swelling). It usually affects the Type 2M muscle fibers which are unique to the temporalis and masseter muscles of the head and jaw. In ayurveda, masticatory muscle myositis is correlated with an imbalance of tridoshas. An imbalance of doshas leads to the building up of the ama (endotoxins) in the body. Further, we studied herbal remedies from planet ayurveda which are helpful in this disease without causing any side effects.
