Case Series of Canine Myasthenia Gravis: A Classification Approach With Consideration of Seronegative Dogs

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is categorized into several subgroups, including seronegative MG. Seronegative human patients are well documented, but seronegative dogs remain clinically uncharacterized and their prevalence unknown.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of canine MG subgroups.

Animals

One hundred sixty-seven owner-owned dogs diagnosed with MG from three referral centers.

Methods

Retrospective case series. We classified myasthenic dogs into subgroups, adhering to human guidelines.

Results

We classified 167 dogs into four subgroups: acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive generalized (49.7%, n = 83/167), focal (19.2%, n = 32/167) and thymoma-associated MG (9%, n = 15/167) and seronegative MG (22.2%, n = 37/167). Dogs with thymoma-associated MG were older (median 102 months; Interquartile Range (IQR) 96–120; p < 0.001) and seronegative dogs were younger (median 30 months; IQR 11.5–66; p = 0.017), compared to the generalized subgroup (median 67 months; IQR 36–96). Seronegative dogs presented less frequently with megaesophagus, compared to the generalized subgroup (63.8% vs. 85.7%; Odds Ratio 3.4; 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) 1.4–8.9; p = 0.025). Myasthenic dogs' survival time was significantly reduced when thymoma (Hazard Ratio (H.R.) 3.7; 95% C.I. 1.4–9.9; p = 0.028) or esophageal weakness (H.R. 3.8; 95% C.I. 2.0–7.0; p < 0.001) was present. Conversely, a higher likelihood of remission was achieved when esophageal weakness was absent (H.R. 3.8; 95% C.I. 1.4–10.0; p = 0.007).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Dogs with seronegative MG are more common than previously reported. Myasthenic subgroups differ in presentation and outcome, with esophageal weakness key to survival and remission. Diagnostic tests for seronegative dogs and effective treatments for esophageal weakness in myasthenic dogs are urgently needed.