Myasthenia Gravis

So it’s been quite the week already and it’s only Wednesday.  I am sure there is both work and personal drama still to come.  Dylan has some major Drama that I wanted to document here.

Last week Dylan seemed to be having more difficulty on our walks.  I thought it was just soreness related to his recent injuries.  He’s been calm and quiet and Sunday I even had trouble getting him to hop out the car.  That’s something Dylan is always excited to do when we arrive at exciting places.  Something hasn’t been quite right.   Monday he has an Acu-Massage from Anita.  She said his Sciatic Nerve was pinched again and I was hoping that he was on his way to feeling better.

Paul has been helping with thedogs this week (yes he is so great!) and I have been working OT.   He took them out for a walk yesterday and after about 20 minutes Dylan started stumbling and acting like he was drunk.   He recovered and it happened again.   This ve ry smart man was brilliant enough to catch the repeated episodes on video:

And One More:

Dylan recovered after they made it back to the house and has not had any episodes left.  I have been freaked out about it ever since.  I took him into the vet today and thanks to the videos they have an idea of what it might be.

Myasthenia Gravis

It was described to me by two vets as a degenerative neurological condition.  The paperwork they gave me calls it an auto immune disease that attacks the nervous system.   I guess the simple way of explaining it is that he overuses the neuron synapses in his brain until they cannot function.   So often episodes are induced by exercise when he is using his muscles over and over and over again.  Eventually, the synapses give out and can’t work anymore so he loses control of his muscles.  It’s common for it to start in the back legs and as time goes by become more frequent and effect more and more of his body. 

Myasthenia Gravis can also lead to Megaesophagus. My friend Cynthia has a dog with this and writes about it on her blog from time to time.    There can also be other complications which are common with any disease that attacks the immune system.

We were lucky enough to get three opinions today. They all agree that this is likely the right diagnosis.  Testing is expensive but we underwent the first steps today.  A full blood panel to rule out other problems (Dylan was due for one anyway) and an antibody test that tests for the antibodies that are attacking the nervous system.    We may need to do one more test that consists of an injection immediately following an episode.   If we see this stumbling drunk behavior we are to rush to ER and ask for the test.  Right now the goal is to prevent him from having more episodes until the blood tests come back on Friday.   If they determine the injection test is needed we may stress test him in the vets office on a treadmill.    I’d prefer to avoid this step since I really don’t want to put Dylan through anything more than he has already been through this week. 

There are treatment options to slow the progression.  I’ve contacted my holistic vet and may end up seeing her Friday for her opinion.  I want to get the blood tests back first but she is leaving town for a month so we sent her the videos and will wait to see what she requests.

I’ve got some conflicting information about the disease.  The vets today made it sound like he will degenerate throughout the rest of his life.  The literature states that 89% go into remission in an average of about 6 months and in no more than 18 months.  That’s pretty good odds.   However, those that do not go into remission do get cancer withing 3 years.  I hate thinking about that 11 percent.  I am going to ask for more clarification on Friday when I consult with the vets. 

The vets at K-9 Rehab have been fantastic and helpful today.  I am happy with my decision to take him there today.   They were all so willing to work together to discuss his issues since they aren’t the most common.

Paul keeps reminding me to think about the positives.  I am trying hard but still not holding myself together very well.   I’ve been an emotional wreck since yesterday and I am sure it’s not going away overnight but I am so grateful to have such great friends standing by me.  I really appreciate the support.  

It’s been a hectic day today.    I just realized  haven’t even blogged about our foster.  Another day another post I guess.  I am so ready for bed.  My new 6 AM Shift will be here in a flash…