Myasthenia Gravis (Acquired) + Dysautonomia
Acquired myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease resulting from antibodies created against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.
Age of Onset: 6 years (range from 8 months to 14 years)
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected. In some reports spayed and neutered dogs were at higher risk.
Clinical Course:
There are three clinical forms recognized in dogs: focal (megaesophagus), generalized, and fulminating
Clinical signs worsen with exercise, and generalized weakness typically recovers with 60-90 minutes of rest
There are three clinical forms recognized in dogs: focal (megaesophagus), generalized, and fulminating
Clinical signs worsen with exercise, and generalized weakness typically recovers with 60-90 minutes of rest
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Kyphotic posture (pelvic limbs help more cranial)
Flexed neck posture
Movement
Exercise-intolerance
Progressive shortening of inter-step distance as they continue to run/walk
Collapse with exercise
Cranial Nerves
Progressive weakness of facial muscles (“droopy” or tragic facial expression)
Reduced pupillary light reflexes
Absent gag reflex
Spinal Reflexes
Flaccid anal sphincter
Absent perineal and bulbocabernosus reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Regurgitation
Dyspnea
Dysphonia
Dysuria
Ptyalism
Other
Signs of aspiration pneumonia
Posture and Appearance
Kyphotic posture (pelvic limbs help more cranial)
Flexed neck posture
Movement
Exercise-intolerance
Progressive shortening of inter-step distance as they continue to run/walk
Collapse with exercise
Cranial Nerves
Progressive weakness of facial muscles (“droopy” or tragic facial expression)
Reduced pupillary light reflexes
Absent gag reflex
Spinal Reflexes
Flaccid anal sphincter
Absent perineal and bulbocabernosus reflexes
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Regurgitation
Dyspnea
Dysphonia
Dysuria
Ptyalism
Other
Signs of aspiration pneumonia
Diffuse to focal neuromuscular
Unknown
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