External ophthalmoparesis as part of generalised myasthenia gravis in a dog; are there more similarities to the human counterpart than originally thought?

Bongers, J., Gutierrez Quintana, R. and Stalin, C. E. (2021) External ophthalmoparesis as part of generalised myasthenia gravis in a dog; are there more similarities to the human counterpart than originally thought? Veterinary Record Case Reports, 9(2), e48. (doi: 10.1002/vrc2.48)

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis in dogs is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction and resembling its human counterpart. Classification of the disease in humans includes an ocular and generalised form. Isolated ocular myasthenia gravis is confined to the extraocular muscles which most commonly results in ptosis, due to an impaired levator palpebrae superioris muscle responsible for elevating the upper eyelid, and diplopia (double vision) due to weakness of the extraocular bulbar muscles. Isolated ocular myasthenia gravis frequently becomes generalized over time or can present as part of generalised myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis in dogs is classified by severity and distribution of clinical signs, as well as, serology and thymic status. However, it does not include the extraocular muscles. This is the first description of a case of ocular myasthenia gravis in a dog, progressing to generalised myasthenia gravis as seen in humans.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stalin, Mrs Catherine and Gutierrez Quintana, Mr Rodrigo and Bongers, Jos
• Authors: Bongers, J., Gutierrez Quintana, R., and Stalin, C. E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Record Case Reports
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2052-6121
• ISSN (Online): 2052-6121
• Published Online: 12 April 2021