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==Clinical Signs==
==Clinical Signs==
Lesions have usually developped by '''6 months of age''', but they can also occur in adults.
Lesions have usually developed by '''6 months of age''', but they can also occur in adults.
The rate of development of lesions is very variable, and the disease may '''wax and wane''' and may undergo spontaneous regression.
The rate of development of lesions is very variable, and the disease may '''wax and wane''' and may undergo spontaneous regression.
'''Myositis''' is a feature of the disease and its severity correlates with the severity of the skin lesions. There is commonly temporal and masseter muscle atrophy.
'''Myositis''' is a feature of the disease and its severity correlates with the severity of the skin lesions. There is commonly temporal and masseter muscle atrophy.
Severely affected dogs may present with '''dysphagia''', may have growth retardation, '''megaoesophagus''', lameness and widespread muscle atrophy.
Severely affected dogs may present with '''dysphagia''', may have growth retardation, '''[[megaoesophagus]]''', lameness and widespread muscle atrophy.
The condition is not usually pruritic nor painful.
The condition is not usually pruritic nor painful.
A clinical diagnosis can be made based upon the presentation, history and clinical signs.
A clinical diagnosis can be made based upon the presentation, history and clinical signs.
Other common causes of follicular dermatitis in young dogs, such as dermatophytosis, demodecosis and pyoderma, should be '''ruled out''' with skin scrapes, cytology and culture.
Other common causes of follicular dermatitis in young dogs, such as [[dermatophytosis]], [[demodecosis]] and pyoderma, should be '''ruled out''' with skin scrapes, cytology and culture.
'''Skin biopsies''' can provide supportive evidence, and there is hydropic degeneration of basal cells, intrabasalar or subepidermal clefting, pigmentary incontinence, follicular atrophy and possibly vasculitis.
'''Skin biopsies''' can provide supportive evidence, and there is hydropic degeneration of basal cells, intrabasalar or subepidermal clefting, pigmentary incontinence, follicular atrophy and possibly vasculitis.
'''Muscle biopsies''' reveal inflammatory exudates, muscle fibre necrosis and muscle atrophy. The best place for a biopsy is the anterior and most superficial temporalis muscle.
'''Muscle biopsies''' reveal inflammatory exudates, muscle fibre necrosis and muscle atrophy. The best place for a biopsy is the anterior and most superficial temporalis muscle.
'''EMG''' can be performed and will reveal abnormalities consisting of positive sharp waves, fibrillation potentials and bizarre high-frequency discharges of affected muscles.
'''Electromyography (EMG)''' can be performed and will reveal abnormalities consisting of positive sharp waves, fibrillation potentials and bizarre high-frequency discharges of affected muscles.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Mild lesions may not need treatment and may '''spontaneously resolve'''.
Mild lesions may not need treatment and may '''spontaneously resolve'''.
'''Pentoxifylline''' is the treatment of choice and it improves circulation and decreases levels of inflammatory mediators. 2-3 months may be needed before any benefits are seen.
'''Pentoxifylline''' is the treatment of choice and it improves circulation and decreases levels of inflammatory mediators. 2-3 months of treatment may be needed before any benefits are seen.
'''Vitamin E''' can lead to an improvement in the skin lesions, but not in muscle.
'''Vitamin E''' can lead to an improvement in the skin lesions, but not in muscle.
Harvey, R. (2009) '''A colour handbook of skin diseases of the dog and cat''' ''Manson Publishing''
Harvey, R. (2009) '''A colour handbook of skin diseases of the dog and cat''' ''Manson Publishing''
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[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Dog]]
[[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]]
[[Category:Integumentary System - Autoimmune Reactions]]
[[Category:Integumentary System - Autoimmune Reactions]]
[[Category:Muscles - Developmental Pathology]]
[[Category:Muscles - Developmental Pathology]]
[[Category:Immune-Mediated Myositis]]
[[Category:Immune-Mediated Myositis]]