La myasthenia gravis it is a neuromuscular disease that affects the dog. Fortunately, it is rare but it is still important to know what causes it, what are the symptoms and treatments indicated by the veterinarian.
As the main characteristic of this pathology we find weakness in the muscles throughout the dog's body, it has treatment which is good news, however, the prognosis is something else and this will depend on each case where there will be dogs that manage to recover and others that will not run with the same fate.
What is myasthenia gravis?
Experts point out that this disease manifests itself when there is a deficiency of acetylcholine receptors, the latter is a molecule with a neurotransmitter function that is produced in neurons which are an important component of the nervous system. These are responsible for transmitting the nerve impulse.
The receptors are located mainly in neuromuscular endings of the peripheral and central nervous systems. To understand it a little better, when the dog moves any muscle in the body, a acetylcholine release by means of which the order for the movement will be transmitted, thanks to its receivers.
Consequently, if there are not enough of these receptors or they are not working properly, the movement of the muscle will not occur or it will do so erratically. It is at that moment that the myasthenia gravisWhich It has different manifestations that we will detail below.
This disease only affects the muscles that perform the function of swallowing food. The congenital myasthenia gravis, which is very common in breeds like the Springer spaniel or the Jack Russell, it is also hereditary.
Then there is the Acquired myasthenia gravis, which is frequent and immune-mediated in breeds such as German shepherd, Golden retriever, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever and Scottish terrier, which is not an impediment for it to manifest itself in other breeds.
When we speak of immune-mediated, we refer to attack and destruction of the dog's antibodies against their own acetylcholine receptors, a situation that can occur in two age ranges, the first from the 1st year to 4 and the second from 9 to 13 years.
What are the symptoms?
There is general muscle weakness which tends to be aggravated by exercise. It is more evident in the back legs since when trying to get up or walk it will present great difficulty and it will even stagger.
If the myasthenia gravis is focal, the problem will be located in swallowing where the dog will see the function of the muscles that facilitate it compromised. This will prevent the dog from swallowing solid food as the esophagus will get bigger and more dilated. When the dog tries to swallow food, it can end up in the lungs via the respiratory system, causing aspiration pneumonia.
Treatments
The first thing is to go to the vet with any symptoms that make you suspect that your dog has the disease. For that the professional will use the required analyzes and evaluations that allow to identify the neurological disease. In fact there are several tests to reach the precise diagnosis.
Afterwards, the treatment phase will be carried out, which consists of the administration of drugs that help to raise the levels of acetylcholine in the receptors and in this way notably improve the weakness in the muscles, which is what stands out of this pathology in the dogs.
To provide the treatment to the canine, the veterinarian will indicate the options and which is the most convenient. It is as well as it can be given by means of injections or orally. The recommended dose will depend on the activity of our faithful friend and this must be strictly controlled and followed by the specialist. There are cases where the treatment will be only temporary, while in other canines it is for life.
The important thing about veterinary control is that the megaesophagus that is typical of focal myasthenia gravis will be able to be controlled or treated. The pet's guardian has to be attentive to feeding which is recommended that it be almost liquid or completely, the container with the food should be located high and if any complications of breathing appear it must be taken immediately to the veterinarian.
This disease possibly comes accompanied by canine hypothyroidism, however, the latter can be treated with hormones without any problem. Another disease associated with canine myasthenia gravis is the thymus tumor, this is a gland associated with the dog's lymphatic system. The solution is surgery and fortunately the incidence rate is very low.
Can the disease be cured?
When it is detected in time, with an accurate diagnosis and with application of treatment, the recovery prognosis is good. However, there is a factor that also influences and that is the dog's response to treatment.
In most cases the recovery is complete even when we talk about focal myasthenia gravis where it is 100% possible to get the dog to swallow with absolute normality. As for the megaesophagus, there are cases where it involves complications that lead to a reserved prognosis, even when the specimen is under treatment, it may present crises that significantly worsen the symptoms.
Early diagnosis can save the dog many health problems as well as complications, in this sense and since you know a little more about this pathology it is vital that when there are symptoms of this or any other disease or anomaly you get into contact with the vet.
The more you are attentive to the dog's behavior, the faster you will detect any warning signs. Likewise, the specialist in canine diseases with all the information you can provide and the symptoms that the animal presents, it will be easier to carry out the diagnosis and the application of the treatment according to the case. So do not be afraid of the disease and put a stop to it as soon as possible.