Risk factors for acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs: 1,154 cases (1991-1995).
OBJECTIVE
To determine frequency of initial clinical signs and risk factors for acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
1,154 dogs residing within the United States from 1991 to 1995 with a confirmed diagnosis of acquired MG and 7,176 dogs with other neuromuscular disorders, including generalized weakness, megaesophagus, and dysphagia (control group).


METHODS
Records were retrieved from a database containing results of serum samples tested for acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Signalment, breed, age, state of origin, and month of onset of clinical signs were obtained. An antibody titer > 0.6 nmol/L was diagnostic for acquired MG. Unconditional logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
In comparison with mixed-breed dogs, dogs with the highest risk of acquired MG were Akitas, terrier group, Scottish Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Chihuahuas. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Dalmatians, and Jack Russell Terriers had low relative risks. Sexually intact males and dogs less than 1 year old had some protection from risk. Generalized weakness with megaesophagus and megaesophagus alone were the most common initial clinical signs.


CONCLUSIONS
Breed predispositions for acquired MG were demonstrated. Age and sex were contributing factors. Although most dogs had generalized clinical signs, a substantial proportion of dogs had focal signs.
Shelton
G D
GD
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0612, USA.
Schule
A
A
Kass
P H
PH
D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D001947:Breeding; D015984:Causality; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000276:immunology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000906:Antibodies; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic