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Risk Factors and Outcomes in Cats with Acquired Myasthenia Gravis (2001-2012)
D W Hague1, H D Humphries2, M A Mitchell1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|August 27, 2015
Summary
Myasthenia gravis in cats is a chronic condition often linked to cranial mediastinal masses, with a high euthanasia rate and rare spontaneous remission. Long-term treatment is typically necessary for affected felines.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Oncology
Background:
- Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in cats commonly presents as generalized weakness, distinct from canine presentations.
- It is frequently associated with cranial mediastinal masses, unlike in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update and extend clinical findings on feline myasthenia gravis.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes and spontaneous remission rates in cats with MG.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case study analyzed data from 235 cats diagnosed with MG.
- Data included signalment, clinical signs, mass presence/type, treatment, survival, and outcomes.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by acetylcholine receptor antibody titers.
Main Results:
- The study found a 58% euthanasia rate in cats with acquired MG.
- Abyssinian and Somali breeds showed increased incidence.
- Cranial mediastinal masses (commonly thymoma) were present in 52% of cases.
- Spontaneous remission was uncommon in feline MG.
Conclusions:
- Feline myasthenia gravis is a chronic disease with a high incidence of cranial mediastinal masses.
- Spontaneous remission is rare, necessitating long-term management.
- Surgical and medical treatments yielded similar outcomes for cats with cranial mediastinal masses.
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