Myasthenia gravis causes profound muscle weakness in dogs due to autoimmune attack on neuromuscular junctions, with aspiration pneumonia as the most life-threatening complication.
Dogs with MG and megaesophagus are at high risk of aspiration pneumonia - a painful, life-threatening complication from regurgitated food entering the lungs. Managing MG requires feeding in vertical positions using Bailey chairs, which some dogs tolerate well and others resist. The welfare challenge is managing aspiration risk while preserving quality of life during the months of treatment.