Difference between revisions of "Myasthenia Gravis"
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction that occurs due to a defect or absence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the post-synaptic membrane (in the congenital form) or due to the presence of antibodies that bind to the receptors and prevent them from functioning normally (in the acquired form). The classical '''focal''' form of myasthenia gravis affects only the extraocular muscles, the cranial oesophagus and the muscles innervated by cranial nerves V, VII and IX. 80% of animals diagnosed with myasthenia gravis have megaoesophagus at presentation. | + | Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction that occurs due to a defect or absence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the post-synaptic membrane (in the congenital form) or due to the presence of antibodies that bind to the receptors and prevent them from functioning normally (in the acquired form). Acquired myasthenia Gravis is the most common form of the disease. The classical '''focal''' form of myasthenia gravis affects only the extraocular muscles, the cranial oesophagus and the muscles innervated by cranial nerves V, VII and IX. 80% of animals diagnosed with myasthenia gravis have megaoesophagus at presentation. |
==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
| + | Akitas, German shorthaired pointers, Chihuahuas and some terrier breeds are predisposed to the disease, however Labradors and Golden retrievers are frequently diagnosed with the disease. | ||
| + | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
==Clinical Signs== | ==Clinical Signs== | ||
Revision as of 15:29, 16 August 2010
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This article is still under construction. |
Description
Myasthenia gravis is a disease of the neuromuscular junction that occurs due to a defect or absence of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the post-synaptic membrane (in the congenital form) or due to the presence of antibodies that bind to the receptors and prevent them from functioning normally (in the acquired form). Acquired myasthenia Gravis is the most common form of the disease. The classical focal form of myasthenia gravis affects only the extraocular muscles, the cranial oesophagus and the muscles innervated by cranial nerves V, VII and IX. 80% of animals diagnosed with myasthenia gravis have megaoesophagus at presentation.
Signalment
Akitas, German shorthaired pointers, Chihuahuas and some terrier breeds are predisposed to the disease, however Labradors and Golden retrievers are frequently diagnosed with the disease.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
Treatment
Prognosis
References
- Animals develop antibodies to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
- Results in generalised muscle weakness and or megaoesophagus.
Pathogenesis: Type II hypersensitivity