myasthenia gravis in dogs or myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular disease. In this article on our site we are going to explain what its symptoms are and what treatment is the most appropriate. The most characteristic sign of this pathology is muscle weakness, which is usually generalized. We must know that myasthenia gravis can be treated, although the prognosis will depend on each case. Some dogs recover while, for others, this prognosis will be guarded.
What is myasthenia gravis in dogs?
Myasthenia gravis occurs when there is a deficiency of acetylcholine receptors Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter molecule produced in neurons, which are the cells of the nervous system, and that serves for the transmission of the nervous impulse. Its receptors are found, above all, in the neuromuscular endings of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
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 insufficient numbers or do not function correctly, muscle movement is affected. And this is what is called 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, which is inherited and has been described in breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier or the Springer Spaniel.
- Acquired myasthenia gravis, which is immune-mediated and more frequent in golden retrievers, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, dachshunds or Scottish terriers, although it can occur in any breed. Being immune-mediated means that it is produced by the attack of the dog's antibodies that are directed against its own acetylcholine receptors and destroy them. It usually occurs in two age ranges, from one to four and from nine to thirteen years old.
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis in dogs
The main symptom of myasthenia gravis will be generalized muscle weakness, which will also worsen with exercise. We will notice it more clearly in the hind legs. The sick dog will have a hard time getting up and walking. We will see him wobble.
In focal myasthenia gravis the problems will be concentrated in swallowing, since, in this case, the disease affects only the muscles involved in this function. The dog is unable to swallow solids and its esophagus becomes enlarged and dilated. This damage can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when food passes through the respiratory system instead of the digestive system and ends up in the lungs.
Treatment of myasthenia gravis in dogs
If we suspect that our dog suffers from myasthenia gravis we should go to the vet This professional can reach the diagnosis after performing neurological tests. There are several tests that can be used to confirm this. The treatment is based on the administration of drugs that increase the concentration of acetylcholine in the receptors, thereby controlling the muscle weakness characteristic of this disease.
The medication can be given to the dog orally or by injection. The dose is based on the dog's activity, but it must be controlled by marking a strict veterinary follow-up. In some dogs the treatment will be for life, while others can do without it.
In focal myasthenia gravis it is also necessary to treat the megaesophagus To do this, it is necessary to monitor the diet and the appearance of respiratory complications, which They should be seen by the veterinarian at the first sign. The food must be liquid or almost liquid and we must put the feeder on high.
In some cases, acquired myasthenia gravis is accompanied by canine hypothyroidism, which must also 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. Surgery is recommended to remove it.
Is there a cure for myasthenia gravis in dogs?
Mysthenia gravis, properly diagnosed and treated correctly, has a prognosis for recovery that is very good, although it depends on the dog's response. In fact, the recovery may be complete. It is even possible to get the dog to swallow normally again in the case of focal myasthenia gravis. But, for other specimens, megaesophagus involves complications that worsen the prognosis. In addition, some dogs that appear to be controlled on medication may experience crises in which symptoms are aggravated.
