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Myasthenia gravis in the cat.
R J Joseph1, J M Carrillo, V A Lennon
1Department of Medicine, Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10021.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Myasthenia gravis (MG) in cats can be congenital or acquired autoimmune. Diagnosis involved edrophonium chloride response and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody testing, aiding treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness.
- Both congenital and acquired autoimmune forms of MG can occur in felines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical findings, diagnosis, and outcomes of myasthenia gravis in four cats.
- To investigate the role of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies in feline MG.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination including assessment of neurological signs and response to edrophonium chloride.
- Serum autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor (AChR) were measured by radioimmunoassay.
- Treatment with pyridostigmine bromide was administered.
Main Results:
- All four cats showed transient improvement with edrophonium chloride.
- Two acquired autoimmune MG cases had elevated anti-AChR antibody titers.
- Congenital MG case lacked detectable anti-AChR antibodies.
- One acquired autoimmune MG cat achieved remission, while two were euthanatized.
- The congenital MG cat survived for 3 years.
Conclusions:
- Edrophonium chloride response and AChR antibody testing are valuable diagnostic tools for feline MG.
- Acquired autoimmune MG in cats can have variable prognoses.
- Congenital MG may have a better long-term prognosis than the autoimmune form.