Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a condition resulting from a deficiency of nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of skeletal muscle. The resulting impairment of neuromuscular transmission is clinically manifested as muscle weakness. Dewey (1997) reported MG in dogs, cats and in humans. Acquired (immune-mediated) myasthenia gravis is characterised by the antibody-mediated destruction of ACh receptors at the neuromuscular junction.

Neuromuscular transmission is disrupted when acetylcholine released from the presynaptic vesicles at the nerve terminal is unable to bind to receptors on the postsynaptic muscle fibre membrane. This disruption of neuromuscular transmission leads to muscle weakness and excessive fatigue, with severe cases being associated with non-ambulatory tetraparesis and respiratory failure.

Author

Michelle Richmond DipAVN(Medical) DipAVN (Surgical) CertVN ECC D32/D33 RVN

Michelle qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1995. She holds both the surgical and medical diplomas in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and the Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. Her experience within the field of veterinary nursing is extensive, ranging from general practice to referral nursing both in the UK and USA. She is passionate about veterinary nursing and education. In 2011 she proudly launched a unique veterinary nursing in-house CPD Company – The Veterinary Nursing Consultancy – bringing CPD and training where it is needed most – with the patients and veterinary staff across the UK.

Keywords: Clinical, Nursing, Myasthenic

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 30 (02) • February 2015 • pp57-61

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