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Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease where antibodies attack acetylcholine receptors at the nerve-muscle junction, causing progressive muscle weakness.
Key Facts
- Can be congenital (born with it) or acquired (autoimmune)
- Acquired form most common; often associated with thymoma (thymus tumor)
- Signs: exercise-induced weakness (worse with activity, better with rest), megaesophagus (dilated esophagus), regurgitation
- Focal form may only affect esophagus or facial muscles
- Diagnosis: acetylcholine receptor antibody titer (blood test)
- Treatment: pyridostigmine (anticholinesterase) + immunosuppressive therapy
- Aspiration pneumonia from megaesophagus is the most common life-threatening complication
- Spontaneous remission possible in dogs
- Species: dogs and cats