Myasthenia Gravis in Companion Animals

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a condition in which transmission of information between nerves and muscles is abnormal, causing weakness. Normally, nerves send commands to our muscles via a "messenger" called acetylcholine (Ach). The Ach is released from a nerve and attaches to an acetylcholine-receptor (Ach-R) on the muscle, which causes the muscle to contract. In MG, there are not enough receptors available so muscle cells gradually become unable to receive all of the Ach and, thus, are unable to respond to the nerve signal to contract. It causes weakness that tends to get worse during activity, when all the receptors are already busy. MG can be congenital, meaning that the dog is born with only a small number of Ach-R, or it can be acquired later in life (more common). The acquired form is caused by immune-mediated disease, causing the body to produce antibodies that attack and destroy the Ach-R. For more information, please visit www.ACVIM.org.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• canine
• feline
• dog
• cat
• myasthenia gravis
• neurologist
• ACVIM
• veterinary
• MG

[csoukphaly]

My dog has this symptom last Saturday. We are waiting for the blood tests to find out if he has this symptom. Blood result is not going to be in 5 days. He's not looking good, sleep a lot and can't move his body. The specialist gave us home drug pyridostigmine syrup.  Please let send me info we can do while waiting. My email is csoukphaly@yahoo.com.

[TheACVIM]

@csoukphaly Thank you for your comment. I have sent an e-mail with some more information. Best of luck to you.

[2jeanee]

We have been treating our dog for two years with MG and megasphogus. If you would like any advice just email me on jeanee2@tiscali.co.uk, .

[csoukphaly]

My dog has this symptom last Saturday. We are waiting for the blood tests to find out if he has this symptom. Blood result not is going to be in 5 days. He's not looking good, sleep a lot and can't move his body. The specialist gave us home drug pyridostigmine syrup. Please let send me info I can do while waiting. My email is csoukphaly@yahoo.com.