The former conditions result in flaccid paralysis, while the latter ones result in weakness, stiffness and collapse on exercise. Coral snakes are limited in their distribution and it should be considered in cases of LMN disease in areas where they are endemic. The ticks which are associated with tick paralysis vary and are present throughout the world. Tick paralysis appears to be seasonal, but can occur at any time. Botulism can occur from food poisoning or from alterations in the intestinal flora.
Dogs are fairly resistant to botulinum toxin, but intoxication is occasionally seen.
The diagnosis of motor unit disease requires looking for systemic illness, ruling out obvious vertebral disease and identifying the specific changes of the disease. This includes many of the test employed in looking for cervical and TL disease, including CSF tap and analysis. In addition, serum cholinesterase levels are needed to evaluate the potential for OP intoxication. The most important aspect of the examination are EMG studies, including needle EMG, nerve conduction velocities and repetitive nerve stimulation. In cases of suspected myasthenia gravis, response to edrophonium HCl, a short acting anticholinergic drug, can be used.