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Section: Overview
Myasthenia gravis is a disorder characterized by muscular weakness that is aggravated by activity and relieved by rest. It is caused by an impairment of transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, which results in muscle weakness. The disease can be an inherited congenital defect (rare) or can be acquired later in life (common in dogs, rare in cats).The acquired form is due to a defect in the immune system whereby antibodies are made against the animal's own muscle receptors, preventing signal transmission from occurring properly.Both sexes are equally affected, and all breeds are susceptible, although a recent study shows Akitas, Scottish terriers, German shorthaired pointers and Chihuahuas to be at higher risk. Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Dalmatians and Parson Russell Terriers had lower relative risk. The acquired disorder rarely strikes animals less than 1 year of age.
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