Myasthenia Gravis (Acquired)
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)
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Regurgitation
Dyspnea
Dysphonia
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)
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Regurgitation
Dyspnea
Dysphonia
Ptyalism
Other
Signs of aspiration pneumonia
Diffuse to focal neuromuscular
Unknown
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