Inherited predisposition to myasthenia gravis in Newfoundlands
Lipsitz, D.; Berry, J.L.; Shelton, G.D.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 215(7): 956
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 10511859 Document Number: 501202
Acquired myasthenia gravis was diagnosed in 6 Newfoundland dogs from 2 distinct lineages. Three dogs including one pair of littermates, from each lineage were affected. History and clinical signs did not differ from those reported for other dogs with acquired myasthenia gravis. Although a genetic predisposition for development of certain autoimmune diseases in several species has been identified, the immunopathogenesis of myasthenia gravis is multifactorial and includes hormonal, environmental and infectious disease factors. The high incidence of myasthenia gravis in these 2 distinct lineages of Newfoundland dogs, a breed with a low relative risk for development of this disease, suggests an underlying genetic mechanism. However, mode of inheritance could not be determined from this small number of dogs.