myasthena gravis

Started by DW, February 10, 2013, 05:50:57 PM

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DW

These past few weeks I have come across a few A.I. disorders that I hadn't realised were A.I. related.

A friend has a dog that has been diagnosed with  myasthena gravis and I have read somewhere that this is an auto immune disorder.
has anyone had any experience of this?  is it the same as the human form of M.D.?

Thankyou
Gwyneth

Jo CIMDA

Hello Gwyneth

Although Myasthenia gravis is relatively rare I have known several dogs to have this autoimmune disease.  It is not treated in the usual way with prednisolone because steroids will make the muscle weakness worse. The treatment is with a drug called pyridostigmine.  It should be treated as soon as possible because the main complication with MG is megaoesophagus (muscle weakness in the throat muscles) which is very difficult to manage and any damage prior to treatment is unlikely to reverse.


Jo