Holistic Pet Care: Myasthenia Gravis - Mystery Diagnosis

Generally, symptoms come on relatively suddenly over days to weeks and can be fairly broad spectrum. The classically exercise-induced weakness may not be seen at all and sometimes megaesophagus is the only sign (as in the focal form of myasthenia gravis).

Because swallowing difficulties and regurgitation often are included in the clinical picture, pneumonia resulting from accidental inhalation of saliva, food, or vomit can occur complicating the picture and creating a more serious situation. This complication is called aspiration pneumonia and substantially worsens prognosis.