Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

BOTULISM
Botulism is a paralytic disease caused by neurotoxins produced by the bacteria
Clostridium botulinum. The disease is acquired by eating infected carcasses or
improperly canned vegetables and meats.
Treatment: The outlook for recovery is good if the disease does not
progress rapidly. Antitoxins are available. Mildly affected dogs recover without
treatment.
COONHOUND PARALYSIS
The cause of this disease is unknown. It is believed to be an immune-mediated
disease with antibodies directed at the dog’s own peripheral nerves. The agent
triggering the immune reaction may be a virus or a bacteria. It occurs most
often in hunting dogs one to two weeks after having had contact with a raccoon.
The illness is not limited to Coonhounds.
Paralysis begins as weakness in the hindquarters and progresses forward
until the dog is unable to stand. During this time the dog remains anxious but
alert. The paralysis can affect the muscles involved in respiration and swallowing.
It reaches its peak at about 10 days. Muscle atrophy may be dramatic.
Treatment: Good nursing care is the main treatment. Full recovery may
take weeks or months.
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM • 373
This is a rare disease caused by a deficiency of acetylcholine receptors, normally
present at the junction of nerve endings and muscle cells. When an animal
decides to move a muscle, the nerve endings release acetylcholine, which
is a neurotransmitter. The acetylcholine carries the nerve impulse across the
junction, where acetylcholine receptors respond and send the nerve impulse
on its way. A reduction in the number or function of these receptors produces
generalized muscle weakness, made worse by exercise. Weakness is most
apparent in the hindquarters. Dogs with myasthenia gravis have difficulty getting
up and exhibit a swaying or staggering gait.
There is a focal form of myasthenia gravis that affects only the muscles
involved in swallowing. The dog is unable to swallow solid food and develops
enlarged, dilated megaesophagus. Aspiration pneumonia often follows.
A congenital form of myasthenia gravis is inherited as an autosomal recessive
trait. It occurs in Jack Russell Terriers, Springer Spaniels, and Smooth
Fox Terriers.
An acquired form of myasthenia gravis occurs in all breeds, but is seen most
often in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers,