(Myotonic) Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophies are examples of degenerative myopathic conditions of both dogs and cats. These disease processes result from gene-associated abnormalities of muscle components.
Myotonic muscular dystrophy manifests with prolonged muscle contraction and is thought to be due to an abnormal muscle cell membrane that supports persistent depolarization. Animals with myotonia have sustained muscle contraction, which is initiated voluntarily or with stimulation, and sustained involuntarily.
Myotonic muscular dystrophy manifests with prolonged muscle contraction and is thought to be due to an abnormal muscle cell membrane that supports persistent depolarization. Animals with myotonia have sustained muscle contraction, which is initiated voluntarily or with stimulation, and sustained involuntarily.
Age of Onset: Young dogs may be more commonly affected
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Muscle “stiffness” manifested by limb extension and short step distances is most prominent after periods of rest and will often reduce in severity as the dog repeatedly uses their muscles during movement.
Muscle “stiffness” manifested by limb extension and short step distances is most prominent after periods of rest and will often reduce in severity as the dog repeatedly uses their muscles during movement.
Clinical Signs:
Posture and Appearance
Muscle dimpling may occur with direct muscle percussion
Extended limbs with movement
Movement
Short-”stilted” gait
Short step or interstep distances
Bunny-hopping gait
Stiffness and extensor rigidity of the limbs
Spinal Reflexes
Hypertonicity of all limbs
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Hypersalivation
Dysphagia
Muscle Atrophy
Appendicular muscle hypertrophy
Glossal hypertrophy
Posture and Appearance
Muscle dimpling may occur with direct muscle percussion
Extended limbs with movement
Movement
Short-”stilted” gait
Short step or interstep distances
Bunny-hopping gait
Stiffness and extensor rigidity of the limbs
Spinal Reflexes
Hypertonicity of all limbs
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Hypersalivation
Dysphagia
Muscle Atrophy
Appendicular muscle hypertrophy
Glossal hypertrophy
Diffuse neuromuscular
Unknown
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