Inc. Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease that can be acquired as an adult or inherited and seen in the puppy. Similar conditions exist in humans. With this condition there is a failure of the nerves' ability to stimulate and control the actions of certain muscles.
Nerves communicate with muscles by use of chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Most affected dogs develop a generalized muscle weakness and may collapse with muscular tremors. The symptoms in most affected puppies are noted between six and nine weeks of age. If the muscles of the esophagus are affected there may be an inability to move food into the stomach with regurgitation as a result. Many affected dogs are severely affected. Depending on the extent of esophageal involvement there may be a partial or complete inability to eat.