Myasthenia gravis and the role of the veterinary nurse

Abstract

Myasthenia is a syndrome of impaired neuromuscular transmission which can affect dogs and cats. There are two common forms, an autoimmune form where antibodies work against the neuromuscular junction – myasthenia gravis – and a rare, congenital form where the patient is born with an impairment at the neuromuscular junction, for example, they are born with too few acetylcholine receptors. This article focuses on myasthenia gravis. Patients with myasthenia gravis often also develop secondary pathologies such as megaoesophagus and aspiration pneumonia, requiring intensive supportive care from the veterinary team while hospitalised, owner counselling and support being paramount. This article describes the causes, diagnosis and treatment alongside nursing considerations for the myasthenia gravis patient and a brief discussion about future developments around the disease to help the veterinary nurse to be able to assist in better patient outcomes following a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.