Exam 1 - Generalized Neuromuscular Disease Flashcards
what is a differential for acute disease of the muscle in generalized neuromuscular disease?
polymyositis
what are differentials for acute disease of the neuromuscular junction in generalized neuromuscular disease?
tick paralysis
botulism
myasthenia gravis
what are differentials for acute disease of the nerves in generalized neuromuscular disease?
acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis - coonhound paralysis
infectious causes
what is a differential for acute disease of alpha motor neurons in generalized neuromuscular disease?
myelitis - especially rabies
what neuromuscular diseases may present acutely non-ambulatory tetraplegic & will mimic a high cervical fracture or severe brain injury prior to the neuro exam?
tick paralysis, botulism, myasthenia gravis, acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, & myelitis (rabies)
what should be in the standard diagnostic work-up for neuromuscular disease?
history of prescription drugs
CBC/chem with creatine kinase
met check - chest rads to r/o megaesophagus, thymoma, & aspiration pneumonia & abdominal ultrasound/rads
endocrine testing - thyroid & hyperadrenocorticism
what makes up a lower motor neuron unit?
cell body (CNS), axon (PNS - ventral root, nerve), muscle, & neuromuscular junction
how do patients with acute idiopathic polymyositis present clinically?
weakness, stilted gait, atrophy, inability to open jaw, megaesophagus, & dysphonia
what lab abnormalities may be seen with acute idiopathic polymyositis?
creatine kinase is typically very high
inflammatory leukogram is possible
negative paired infectious disease titers
how is acute idiopathic polymyositis diagnosed?
muscle biopsy is supportive
how is acute idiopathic polymyositis treated?
immunosuppression - corticosteroids are the 1st line
azathioprine as a 2nd line or adjunct treatment
how is acute idiopathic polymyositis monitored?
serial CKs to monitor remission
what are some causes of infectious polymyositis?
neospora - dog
toxoplasma - dog & cat
hepatozoon - dog
FIV - cat
sarcocytis - dog
in a patient with suspected infectious polymyositis, what do you expect the nature of their history to be?
chronic problem
tick paralysis effects what part of the neuromuscular system?
pre-synaptic neuron
what is the typical onset of tick paralysis?
3-7 days
T/F: the absence of ticks on a dog rules out tick paralysis
false
how is tick paralysis treated?
pull the ticks, treat with acaricides, & shave long thick coats
what diagnostics should be done for a suspected tick paralysis case?
bloodwork & CSF tap - usually normal
thoracic radiographs
patient gets better upon removal of ticks
what is the agent that causes botulism?
clostridium botulinum
what is the pathogenesis of botulism?
blocks the release of ACh at the presynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction
how is botulism diagnosed?
usually based on history & clinical signs
bloodwork & CSF are typically normal
how is botulism treated?
supportive care
recovery can take weeks
what is the most common type of myasthenia gravis in dogs?
acquired form
what is the pathogenesis of acquired myasthenia gravis?
autoantibodies are directed against the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction
what are the clinical signs of acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs?
muscular weakness & excessive fatiguability - ocular, facial, oropharyngeal, esophageal, & limb musculature
what is the pathogenesis of congenital myasthenia gravis?
animal is born with too few acetylcholine receptors
in working up a suspected myasthenia gravis dog, what is the first step?
take radiographs
use to use tensilon but not much anymore
in working up a suspected myasthenia gravis dog, what is the second step?
determining if it is congenital or acquired
how is congenital myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
intercostal muscle biopsy
how is acquired myasthenia gravis diagnosed?
acetylcholine receptor antibody test
met screen
thyroid problems (thymoma)
this condition often occurs secondary to what neuromuscular disease?
myasthenia gravis
how is myasthenia gravis in dogs treated?
anti-acetylcholinesterase meds probably for life
bailey chair feedings - avoid problems with megaesophagus/aspiration pneumonia
serial AChR Ab titers to monitor
T/F: 50-60% of dogs diagnosed with myasthenia gravis die within 1 year of the diagnosis
true
what kind of disease is idiopathic acute polyradiculoneuritis?
acquired demyelinating disease
what does idiopathic acute polyradiculoneuritis affect?
spinal nerve roots
what is the typical presentation of a dog with idiopathic acute polyradiculoneuritis?
rapid (12-24 hour) onset of ascending flaccid paralysis
how is idiopathic acute polyradiculoneuritis diagnosed?
history of exposure - bloodwork & CK are often normal, CSF often has elevated protein
EMG, NCV, & muscle/nerve biopsy