Myasthenia Gravis?

C

Crikee

Forums Novice
I have a 1-1/2 y/o male neutered sheltie. At 9 months, he developed limping in his back legs after agility practice and he slowly started to become cow-hocked in his back legs. Blood panels all negative except for an elevated CK. Chiropractic care found him to have SI joint problems. The last 4 months, he has shown difficulty with swallowing. He laps water from the side of the bowl, not the middle. He points his nose up to swallow and 50% of the time will gag after drinking. He has no interest in solid kibble now. He eats from a raised platform. The last 2 weeks, he developed Canine influenza (?) with a high fever and white count 37,000. He was put on antibiotics. He has had a chronic clear runny nose for the past 4 months that has now turned to yellow. Chest x-ray is hazy (possible bronchitis/pneumonia), with no megaesophagus signs. Today, he will only eat food of a paste consistency, and will not drink any liquid (including chicken broth!). He has lip licked for the last 4 months. He yawns constantly. His eyes are starting to change (sink in). His teeth are fine, no ear infections, no eye infections. No TMJ problems. Today, his white count was still high (28,000) but fever is down. My vet talked about myasthenia gravis with his above problems. He is now on 3 different antibiotics and Reglan for his stomach (in case this is just reflux). I think he developed a secondary aspiration pneumonia because he has had regurgitation after some meals for the past few months.

I am an obedience trainer and he is with me everywhere. I have another sheltie, 11 months old, and he is fine. During training, he will take a semi-soft treat but then gag on it. He even started spitting out cheese for treats because he could not swallow it.

I am desperate to hear from those who have experienced the above symptoms and/or have any input. I had to put my last sheltie down a year ago because he was diagnosed with mesothelioma and died of pneumonia within 7 days of diagnosis.

PLEASE HELP! I cannot go through this again - its too emotional! Thank you in advance to my sheltie "family"........
 
Has the vet conducted tests? I would get a firm diagnosis to make sure it is this disease as there are a lot of different diseases and illnesses that have similar symptoms. I have a young male with degenerative joint disease in his elbows who showed similar symptoms starting with agility training. He also drinks from the side of the bowl but that is because of his long nose - it is easier to drink if the end of his nose is slightly hanging out of the bowl which he can only do drinking at the side. My female hacks after she drinks water but has always done this so I have given up being concerned (she is fit and healthy otherwise except for allergies). But the other symptoms of being off his food is concerning but could also be for a range of raesons. I would definately get a test so you know where to head next.

I have not heard of this disease in Shelties. A friend's Springer Spaniel had it and died very suddenly during his neuter operation. It was very bad luck though and some dogs can live long, albeit modified, lives with it and there is medication available. Sorry I can't help you any more.
 
I wish I had some advice to give you, but this is not one I've dealt with. We have many knowledgeable people on this Forum, and I really hope they can give you some answers and encouragement. At the very least, you'll find lots of support here.

Have you considered a second vet consult for another opinion? Sometimes that helps.

I'm so sorry your Sheltie is going through this. It must be awful for you after losing one a year ago. I hope you get some answers soon.
 
I have never heard of this. I have to agree with Ann on a second opinion.

I wonder if you called the breeder to see what she would say. If anything like this was in her lines. I know for myself I would be calling just to notify her/him if this is gene related.

Positive thoughts and prayers your little pal will make good progress.
 
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