Canine Myasthenia Gravis - Jesse's at the Bridge.

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm a kitty side person, but I just got a phone call and need REALLY QUICK HELP!!

My friend's dog, Jesse (7 yr. old Chocolate Lab/Dobie mix, big dog), two days ago started throwing up, losing control of his back legs, various other symptoms. After two days of vet and specialist visits (and over $3000) it has been determined he has Canine Myasthenia Gravis.

Does anyone have experience with this? I have never heard of it. It seems it can go into remission with certain drugs, but the dog will have to be monitored and medicated at a really high cost.

Any advice is appreciated. Jesse is on the way home with his Dad (Steve)and they have to make some quick decisions. His Mom (Kim) is a MESS!

Thanks, Maggie

[Grace]

I never knew dogs could get MG. Google canine Myasthenia Gravis - there's a zillion sites dealing with all aspects of this disease.

[Freedom]

I didn't know what it was, had to use Grace's link for the Google list.

I only read this one:
http://www.vetinfo.com/canine-myasthenia-gravis.html

If the dog will respond to the meds, sounds like it can be managed; and they CAN learn to do the injections at home which saves $.

[Pinot's Mom]

Thanks, Grace, I looked up a lot of information on it. I was just wondering if anyone had personal experience. There is one oral drug, but that is on a huge backorder it seems, so the only option would be to take Jesse in for monitored injections to the vet. I hate to put this on a monetary basis; Jesse is their baby, but they're looking at thousands of dollars in treatment. I would like to know if anyone has had a dog go through this AND SUCCEED. What I've read kind of says it's 50/50 whether it will go into remission or not. It is such a huge decision.

[K9karen]

My heart sank, 'cause my mom had human myasthenia gravis. She once got a 14 day intravenous of gammagoblin (sp) and it helped for a while. (she had other issues as well).

Lots of prayers going out. Please keep us updated.

[Pinot's Mom]

I just talked to Steve. News is not good. This is a very acute case and the doctors are not giving any hope. We are going over tomorrow to say goodbye and the final decision will be made on Monday. Heartbroken.

[kokopup]

I would think that the treatment for MG would be the same as with humans. In most cases MG can be controlled enough for there to be some quality of life.
I have always thought that MG was a Chronic Autoimmune disorder that takes years to become a real issue. Until I was finally Diagnosed with Brachial Plexopathy The doctors first thought I had MG. MG in dogs may be completely different that in humans. Your friend's Dog, Jesse, will be in my thoughts and prayers.