Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition in which the dog’s immune system attacks the acetylcholine receptors, preventing them from binding with acetylcholine.
The result is muscle weakness and fatigue. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain the symptoms and treatment options for dogs with MG.
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Content:
Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms in Dogs
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis in dogs include
- Altered Walk and Gait: Stiffening or collapse of the hind legs, hunched body posture, muscle weakness (worsens with exercise and improves with rest), and lethargy
- Food Regurgitation: Dog MG affects the skeletal muscles of the esophagus, causing esophageal enlargement (megaesophagus)
- Sudden Weight Loss: The inability to eat and get enough food into the stomach, paired with poor nutrient utilization, results in weight loss
- Face and Neck Issues: Trouble swallowing (dysphagia), drooling (hypersalivation), voice changes, and inability to close the eyes
“Patients with MG should be closely monitored for signs of pneumonia,” warns Baye Williamson, DVM, in an article for Vet Specialists.
Aspiration pneumonia is common in dogs with MG and manifests with:
- Heavy breathing (increased respiratory rate and effort)
- Nasal discharge, varying from white to yellow or green
- Vomiting, regurgitation, and trouble swallowing
- Coughing, progressive exercise intolerance, and fever
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Myasthenia Gravis Dog Treatment
“The treatment goal of acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs is to manage the clinical signs and support survival until spontaneous clinical remission occurs,” explains a novel 2024 study.
Myasthenia gravis in dogs is treated with an anticholinesterase medication called pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Immunosuppressants, such as steroids, azathioprine, and cyclosporine, are used in some cases for best results.
Congenital myasthenia gravis is usually fatal. The only exception is the Miniature Dachshund, whose MG symptoms can improve with age.
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FAQs
What Causes Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs?
Myasthenia gravis in dogs is congenital or acquired. Congenital MG occurs when dogs are born with abnormal neuromuscular junctions and is seen in Jack Russel Terriers, Springer Spaniels, and Miniature Dachshunds.
Acquired MG “is associated with the presence of a cranial mediastinal mass, almost invariably a thymoma, and is thought to represent a paraneoplastic syndrome,” according to a 2023 study.
What Is the Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs Life Expectancy?
The life expectancy for dogs with MG varies.
For example, some “can go into remission and live pretty normal lives,” reports a Reddit user.
Others die from complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, within a year, and others develop cancer one to three years after diagnosis.
Conclusion
Myasthenia gravis (MG) in dogs is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the signal transmission between the nerves and muscles malfunctions.
Aspiration pneumonia and cancer are the top complications for dogs withMG. The prognosis for dogs with myasthenia gravis is guarded.
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