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- What is myasthenia gravis in dogs
- Symptoms of myasthenia gravis in dogs
- Treatment of myasthenia gravis in dogs
- Is myasthenia gravis in dogs curable?
THE myasthenia gravis in dogs, or myasthenia gravis, is a rare neuromuscular disease. In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll explain what your symptoms are and what treatment is the most appropriate. The most characteristic symptom of this disease is muscle weakness, which is usually generalized. You should know that myasthenia gravis is treatable, although the prognosis depends on each case. Some dogs recover, while for others, this prognosis is reserved. Read on to learn more about myasthenia gravis in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
What is myasthenia gravis in dogs
Myasthenia gravis occurs when there is a acetylcholine receptor deficit. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter molecule produced in neurons, which are the cells of the nervous system, and which serves to transmit the nerve impulse. Its receptors are found, above all, in the neuromuscular endings of the central and peripheral nervous system.
When the dog wants to move a muscle, acetylcholine is released, which will transmit the order of movement through its receptors. If these are present in an insufficient number or do not work correctly, the muscle movement is affected. And that's what we call myasthenia gravis. There are several presentations of this disease, which are as follows:
- Focal myasthenia gravis, which affects only the muscles responsible for swallowing.
- Congenital myasthenia gravis, inherited and described in breeds such as jack russell terrier or springer spaniel.
- Acquired myasthenia gravis, which is immune-mediated and more common in golden retrievers, German shepherds, labrador retrievers, teckel or Scottish terriers, although it can occur in any breed.
- Being immune-mediated means that it is caused by the dog's attack of antibodies directed against its own acetylcholine receptors, which destroys them. This usually occurs in two age groups, from one to four and from nine to thirteen.
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis in dogs
The main symptom of myasthenia gravis in dogs will be the generalized muscle weakness, which will also get worse with exercise. This can be seen most clearly on the hind legs. The sick dog will have difficulty getting up and walking. You will notice him staggering.
In myasthenia gravis, the focal problems will be concentrated on swallowing, as, in this case, the disease only affects the muscles involved in this function. The dog cannot swallow solids and its esophagus enlarges and dilates. These damages can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food passes into the respiratory system instead of the digestive system and eventually reaches the lungs.
Treatment of myasthenia gravis in dogs
If you suspect your dog is suffering from myasthenia gravis, you should look for the veterinarian. This professional can reach the diagnosis after performing neurological exams. There are several tests that can be used to confirm this. Treatment is based on the administration of drugs that increase the concentration of acetylcholine in receptors, which control the muscle weakness characteristic of this disease.
O medicine it can be given to the dog by mouth or injections. The dose is scheduled according to the dog's activity, but must be controlled by scheduling strict veterinary monitoring. In some puppies, the treatment will be lifelong, while others may no longer need it.
In focal myasthenia gravis, the megaesophagus must also be treated. For this, it is necessary to monitor the diet and the appearance of respiratory complications, which should be observed by the veterinarian at the first sign. The food must be liquid or nearly so, and the feeder must be placed on top.
In some cases, acquired myasthenia gravis is accompanied by canine hypothyroidism, which also needs to be treated with hormones that replace those that are missing. Finally, in a small percentage of dogs with myasthenia gravis, it is related to a thymus tumor, which is a gland that is part of the dog's lymphatic system. In that case, surgery is recommended to remove it.
Is myasthenia gravis in dogs curable?
Myasthenia gravis, if properly diagnosed and treated, has a very good recovery prognosis, although it depends on the dog's response. In fact, recovery can be complete. It is even possible for the puppy to swallow normally again in case focal myasthenia gravis. However, for other samples, the megaesophagus involves complications that worsen the prognosis. In addition, some puppies apparently controlled with medications may experience seizures in which symptoms are aggravated.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Myasthenia gravis in dogs - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Neurological Disorders section.