Myasthenia gravis???

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Malcolm Ness — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:14:21 GMT

MG is relatively uncommon but in my practice, Lab Retriever myopathy is rather more common. Can't view the video but the account is consistent with Lab myopathy.

Not definitively diagnostic but labs with myopathy are typically rather slim with a narrow, "snipey" head. Patella reflex is typically absent whereas it will usually be present in a rested MG case. An earlier poster indicated that this is a disease seen between 6 weeks and 6 months - that is not my experience with most pups presenting as adolescents ie between 6 and 12 months old.

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Dagmar Steele — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:01:33 GMT

I'm on a Mac and have quicktime, but they still won't work. Weird.

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Bob Russell — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:14:36 GMT

Quick time (comes with itunes) will open them but they are stretched. They can be downloaded with RealPlayer according to the notice above the video when it is playing.

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Gareth Dowdeswell — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:01:04 GMT

[quote user="Dagmar Steele"]

yes there is a genetic test for EIC, though I don't know which lab in the UK would do it. But with EIC I would expect a normal gait once the symptoms have vanished and the dog has rested. EIC produces a very high body temperature when there is a collapse after exercise, so taking the temperature after a collapse could be helpful.

[/quote]

NWL offer the test, but it does take about 2 weeks for the results to come back so I suspect they're sending it to another lab anyway.

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Mark Lowrie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:58:04 GMT

Dogs with EIC are completely normal between epsiodes and so you are right Dagma that this does not fit well with EIC. I think symptoms between episodes would rule-out this diagnosis - good point!

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Dagmar Steele — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:53:19 GMT

[quote user="Mark Lowrie"]

And EIC may fit and yes there is a genetic test but the rectal temperature thing is something that has been investigated lots and it was also found to increase dramatically in Labradors not affected with the disease so is not a very good screening test.

[/quote]

That I didn't know of, thanks Mark for pointing it out! On the other hand, I've never seen a case of EIC that had symptoms between the episodes. If I read the OP right the dog is not symptom free all the time? Have you seen cases where the gait was affected all the time?

For me Myasthenia gravis would be the most likely diagnosis, too.

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Mark Lowrie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:46:38 GMT

I can’t get the videos to work either but the history you describe seems compatible with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. I would definitely do acetylcholine receptor antibody serology but also do a conscious lateral radiograph as the salivation may be an early signs of a megaoesophagus. You can also look for a thymoma at the same time although would seem less likely in a young dog. I think edrophonium chloride (for the Tensilon test) is currently very difficult to get hold off as a previous thread somewhere on this forum has suggested.

A dystrophy would be unlikely given the signs are intermittent and given that CK is normal.

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Dagmar Steele — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:23:05 GMT

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Rob Loxley — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:49:07 GMT

I believe there is a genetic test for EIC

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Utlendigur — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:43:22 GMT

[quote user="Horcrux"]4. Myastenia gravis - Tensilon test?[/quote]

Or acetylcholine receptor antibody test?

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Horcrux — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:34:46 GMT

Sorry, video doesn't work. Syndrome of exercise intolerance and collapse ? Others

Normal 0 false false false RU JA X-NONE

1. Hereditary Labrador Retriever Myopathy (also called type II fiber deficiency or muscular dystrophy)- a condition where puppies (6 weeks to 6 months of age)appear stunted and develop progressive muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, an abnormal gait and muscle atrophy.Diagnose by muscle biopsy.

2. Dystrophin Deficient Muscular dystrophy

3. Familial Reflex Myoclonus

4. Myastenia gravis - Tensilon test?

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Joyce Whitehead — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:22:52 GMT

That one won't work for me either Christopher. I think Arlo has said before that it is easier to upload video to Youtube, then add a link at the end of your post. Not that technical myself but might be worth a try!

I may be miles off with this as it has periods of relaxed muscles but tetanus? Only because of the blackthorn...

Re: Myasthenia gravis???

Christopher Mills — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:17:37 GMT

www.vetsurgeon.org/.../5123.dog2.MOV

Another video, not sure the first one is working