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.

[@geo34south]

Our 4 year old golden retriever x Swiss shepherd had very sudden onset MG, with mega esophagus and, within a week of onset of food regurgitation, complete limb paralysis. Within two hours of being administered an acetylcholineesterase inhibitor, he was able to walk and, indeed, run. Importantly, he was incredibly strong the day before vomiting commenced. It is clear the aetiology is not congenital but rather acquired and, while he has not had serological testing performed, based on the pharmaceutical success, MG is certainly confirmed. He is now at a point of having prednisone only as rescue therapy, instead of BD, together with the Mestinon. If there is a chance of the immunosuppressive therapy permitting complete resolution of the immunoglobulin response, is this interruption of the prednisone wise?

[@TheACVIM]

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

[@jackygarcia8040]

Hi ! I really hope you see this but my dachshund as well has shown these symptoms. He was xrayed to show that he has megaesophagus and we are currently awaiting to get his bloodwork back. Hes having some good days and some bad days. One day was so awful we had to keep him overnight at the vet plugged into IV's and the next day he was almost back to normal aside from the regurgitation every so often. And later the next evening he went right back to immobile, droopy eyed, loss of appetite and so on. My vet has given us Reglan 5mg, Carafate Suspension 1g 10n, and Omeprazole 20mg and I cant say he's any better. Please help we still have at least 5 days minimum ( They quoted us 10-14 days and I'm not sure if the lab is open weekends). My email is [e-mail] THANK YOU!

[@DianaLovesYou84]

I’m gonna goom

[@samiasamou7660]

j'ai Mamam qui maladie. de mestinon .

[@OneoftheCaesars]

Ya MG sucks thanks for the post