Guest coralsmom Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 (edited) Hello everyone. We are hoping that someone can help us with a problem that our Coral is having. About a month ago, we took her to the local dog park that we have been to several times, so that she could exercise & run with the other dogs. She ran around for awhile & then came over to us & laid down, a little out of breath. We let her catch her breath & then we brought her home. She got out of the car OK & came into the house. After about 5 minutes, it looked like her front legs were very weak. She laid down on the floor & started breathing heavy again. We got her some water & kept giving it to her, because we thought that she was just overheated. She came around after about 2 or 3 hours & was fine after that. Yesterday, she was out in the back yard playing with her toys for about 10 minutes or so & then laid down again. Frank went into the house & got her a marrow bone, which she was enjoying with no problem. After she was done, which had been about 30 minutes, she came in the house looking for Frank. He was on the front porch, so he put her leash on her & took her out with him. After a couple of minutes out there, her front legs started to look weak, so he laid her down so she would not fall. He went to get her water & she took a little of it but then started what looked like she was gasping for air. He gave her some more water & she seemed to stop, but still could not get up. I arrived home from work shortly after that & saw her on the porch which is not abnormal because she likes to be out there with us. When I got out of the car & she didn’t even make a move to come & see me, I knew something was wrong. When I got to her she started snapping her jaws again & her tongue was turning purple. We tried to get her to stand & she could not. We got her into the car right away & took her to the vet. They thought something was blocking her throat as well so the put her under anesthesia & put a tube down her throat & started stabilizing her because she was also cyanotic. They don’t really know what was & is still wrong with her. The paper states that Thoracic radiographs showed normal lungs & a mega esophagus. Repeat radiographs later when she was not under anesthesia showed resolvement of the megaesophagus. Blood work showed mildly decreased white blood cells & platelets, mildly increased liver values & decreased potassium. They suggested that we take her to a neurologic specialist to determine the cause of her collapse & neuromuscular weakness. They believe that it might be Myasthenia gravis. If anyone has any information or has ever been through any thing like this, we would really appreciate any information that anyone can provide. Thanks. Corals Mom & Dad-AKA Karra & Frank Edited September 27, 2009 by coralsmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest argolola Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I have no information but I will be praying for your little sweetie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I found this on the internet. "Myasthenia gravis can be very variable in the way it looks. Only a few muscle groups may be affected or the dog may be nearly immobile. A dog can be almost normal after a rest and then lose strength very rapidly when it exercises at all. Whenever megaesophagus is diagnosed, myasthenia gravis (MG) should be suspected. Conversely, whenever myasthenia gravis is diagnosed, chest X-rays should be done to evaluate the esophagus, in case megaesophagus is present. MG can be presumptively diagnosed by a rapid response to injection of edrophonium hydrochloride (Tensilon). Dogs usually show an immediate improvement in muscle strength that is of short duration. Specific lab tests for this disease are available to confirm the diagnosis. Dogs that acquire MG later in life usually have a fairly good prognosis with treatment. It is important to prevent aspiration pneumonia, so dogs should be fed from elevated food bowls and encouraged to remain standing for 10 minutes or so after eating. Anticholinesteras medications are very helpful. Pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon syrup) is the most commonly used medication. If it is not effective, injections of neostigmine (Prostigmin) will sometimes work. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be necessary. It is very important to make sure that there are no other illnesses and no aspiration pneumonia signs prior to using corticosteroids. Dogs can be maintained well for a long time with this disease. The more attention paid to prevention of aspiration pneumonia, the better the long term prognosis. In addition, many other medications interfere with the actions of the anticholinesterase drugs, so careful thought must be given to the choice of medications to treat other problems in dogs affected with myasthenia gravis. A number of dogs with acquired MG will have remissions from the disease. Therefore, it is very important to monitor the antibodies to anticholinesterase receptors prior to treatment and at regular intervals during treatment. Recurrences of the disease after remission can occur, so vigilance is required throughout the lifespan of affected dogs." Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 How old is she? How hot was it? How long do you think she actually played/was very active? I'm wondering about a malignant hyperthermia or some other exercise induced collapse. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Rita the podenco maneta, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Energy11 Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 How old is she? How hot was it? How long do you think she actually played/was very active? I'm wondering about a malignant hyperthermia or some other exercise induced collapse. All Good points! I, too, was thinking possible heat exhaustion. Love and prayers for Coral! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandimom Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 No advice here but sending prayers and good thoughts for Coral! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Heatstroke & Exertional Rhabdomyolisis Once it happens, it can repeat. I too wonder how hot it is where you are. Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest coralsmom Posted September 27, 2009 Share Posted September 27, 2009 It was probably 75 or 80 the day at the dog park, but it was not that hot Friday afternoon, maybe 50. She is 5 years old. As the day has progressed today, she seems to be a little better. Her hind quarters are still a little weak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest coralsmom Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 Thanks to everyone for your help & good wishes. She is getting around pretty well now, but no where near back to normal. We have an appointment with a specialist on Thursday & hopefully we will know more then Regards, Coral's Mom AKA Karra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest coralsmom Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Thanks to everyone for your help & good wishes. She is getting around pretty well now, but no where near back to normal. We have an appointment with a specialist on Thursday & hopefully we will know more then Regards, Coral's Mom AKA Karra The specialist doesn't know what is wrong either. It was not the muscular issue we thought it might be. They gave her an antibotic to take twice a day. She is getting around ok, but still week in her hindquarters. Have to go back in a week. We are at a loss. Thanks again to all for your thoughts & prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hlpnhounds Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Have you had and echo done ? Any time there is exercise intolerance, I tend to lean toward a heart condition..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Just seeing this for the first time. There are many possibilities but reading partway through your first post my thought was myasthenia gravis. This was even before you mentioned it. Next through was a polyneuropathy. Understand that is because I have had a dog with a polyneuropathy so that is always what comes to mind for me. A heart problem, liver problem or Addison's disease would all be more likely causes. Hope the antibiotics help. Actually I have a senior Grey who went through a spell of weakness earlier this year. His bloodwork leaned toward liver problems but ultrasound checked out OK. He was put on antibiotics & darned if he didn't snap out of it. Best guess was some liver infection but we still don't know. Hope your girl is better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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