Myasthenia Gravis (Congenital)
Myasthenia gravis is a disease resulting in muscle weakness. There are two forms of this disease: a congenital form due to a developmental abnormality resulting in a deficiency or abnormality of acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction, and an acquired form that is associated with antibodies being produced against the acetylcholine receptor.
In other dogs, only evidence of focal muscle involvement can occur with myasthenia gravis. Megaesophagus may be the only clinical manifestation of the disease in many dogs.
In other dogs, only evidence of focal muscle involvement can occur with myasthenia gravis. Megaesophagus may be the only clinical manifestation of the disease in many dogs.
Age of Onset: 3-8 weeks of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
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:
Movement
Exercise associated weakness
Cranial Nerves
Facial muscle paresis
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Esophageal hypomotility
Pharyngeal/laryngeal paresis
Movement
Exercise associated weakness
Cranial Nerves
Facial muscle paresis
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Esophageal hypomotility
Pharyngeal/laryngeal paresis
Diffuse to focal neuromuscular
Possibly associated with DLA class 1 genes
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