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What is a common cause of myositis in animals?

  1. Infection

  2. Exposure to cold

  3. Excessive exercise

  4. Genetic mutations

The correct answer is: Infection

Infection is indeed a common cause of myositis in animals. Myositis refers to the inflammation of muscle tissue, and infections can lead to this condition through various mechanisms. For instance, bacterial infections, such as those caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, can invade muscle tissue and provoke an inflammatory response. Viruses, like the ones responsible for certain viral infections, can also lead to myositis by directly affecting muscle cells. The immune response to these infections causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and sometimes muscle damage. Exposure to cold can lead to muscle stiffness or discomfort but is generally not a direct cause of myositis. While excessive exercise might lead to muscle strain or soreness, it does not typically result in the inflammatory condition known as myositis. Genetic mutations can lead to muscular diseases and disorders that may resemble myositis symptoms, but specific infections are a more direct and common cause of muscle inflammation in animals. Understanding the role of infections helps in diagnosing and treating myositis effectively in veterinary practice.