Muscle disease in a family dog can be one of the most painful things to treat and watch. Often no treatment exists for these electro-muscular disorders, though on some occasions the symptoms may be mitigated and loss of muscle function halted. Owners who notice signs of weakness or abrupt changes in their dog's behavior or fatigue levels should contact their veterinarian immediately.
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Myasthenia Gravis
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This disease interrupts the way nerves in the canine's body communicate with its muscles. It has been described as a recessive genetic disease that presents with muscle weakness in the eyes, muscles controlling facial expression, the esophagus (inability to swallow), and limbs. This will manifest in early-onset of fatigue and voice change in the animal. The disease often goes into remission without treatment, though those that do not typically develop cancer within three years of the disease's diagnosis.
Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome
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Once confused as a form of canine epilepsy, this disease is now grouped as a metabolic, neurological or muscle disorder. The disease starts in dogs typically between 2 and 6 year old, though this age range may vary. Owner's will notice staggering, dizziness and excessive stretching in the dog as well as abdominal and lower muscle contractions. These muscle spams may occur only twice in a dog's life or twice daily, the frequency varies. Remission of the disease has been brought on by anti-anxiety medications and diet change though the frequency of success is rated only in the short term.
Degenerative Myelopathy
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Progressive rear limb weakness or paralysis can onset a canine between 4 and 15 years of age. The presentation of the disease is a painless yet steadily worsening function of the rear limbs resulting in the canine being unable to sit upright, stand or walk. The only treatments available for this degenerative disease are those prescribed for people afflicted with multiple sclerosis: exercise to increase muscle tone and conditioning, proper diet with some medication. There is no cure for this disease.
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