Myasthenia gravis in dogs with an emphasis on treatment and critical care management

Abstract

Although early recognition of clinical signs is most important in the outcome of patients with MG, further understanding the pathophysiology of MG may lead to earlier diagnosis and novel treatment strategies. The discovery of additional autoantibodies against striated muscle proteins in dogs, should enhance our understanding of diseases affecting the neuromuscular junction. In addition, clinical data for canine MG could be applied to other autoimmune disorders.

Skin and Musculoskeletal Diseases

“…The test is objective and quantitative and is the most reliable diagnostic technique for the diagnosis of acquired MG. Titers ≥ 0.3 and 0.6 nmol l −1 are considered to be positive for MG in cats and dogs, respectively. 60 In addition, a positive response to the administration of edrophonium has been used as a diagnostic tool. The administration of an anticholinesterase drug will effectively increase the concentration of Ach in the synaptic cleft, optimizing the opportunities for successful interaction between Ach and its receptors.…”

“…Systemic administration of neostigmine can be given (0.01-0.04 mg kg −1 IM q 6-8 h) to individuals with significant dysphagia and regurgitation in the emergency setting. 60 However, cholinergic crisis results from an excess of Ach at the nicotinic and muscarinic receptors due to excessive administration of an anticholinesterase drug. Corticosteroids are commonly administered if muscle weakness is not controlled by anticholinesterase drugs due to their immunosuppressant effects.…”

“…A description of the pathogenesis, classification of MG, and treatment have been reviewed in detail elsewhere 60. …”

Temporal deterioration of neurological symptoms and increase of serum acetylcholine receptor antibody levels after thymectomy: a case report of a cat with myasthenia gravis

“…In the study of Shelton and his colleague, serum AChR-Ab levels in some acquired MG cats increased or increased and then decreased after thymectomy [3]. The correlation of the clinical signs and serum AChR-Ab levels is still controversial in human and veterinary medicine [5, 7,8,9,10, 12, 14, 22, 23]. This case showed some relations of them early after surgery.…”

Focal form of acquired myasthenia gravis with megaesophagus in a Yorkshire terrier dog

“…Pyridostigmine bromide and neostigmine bromide are commonly used as anticholinesterase drugs. Pyridostigmine is preferred because it has longer duration of action and fewer side effect than neostigmine bromide does [7]. Sometimes, for more severe conditions, rapid use of immunesuppressants may be required [7].…”