Companion Animals

Myasthenia Gravis in Cats: Welfare and Treatment

Managing neuromuscular junction disease in cats to restore mobility and quality of life.

Key Facts

Myasthenia gravis causes muscle weakness due to autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors
Focal form affecting oesophagus causes regurgitation — generalised form causes limb weakness
Congenital form occurs in Siamese and related breeds
Pyridostigmine and immunosuppression manage clinical signs in most cats

Welfare Considerations

Myasthenia gravis causes progressive muscle weakness affecting mobility, swallowing, and respiratory function. The focal form primarily causes megaoesophagus — a welfare burden through regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia risk. Welfare management includes upright feeding, prompt treatment of aspiration episodes, and immunosuppressive therapy in appropriate cases. Many cats achieve remission with treatment.

What You Can Do

Investigate unexplained weakness or regurgitation in cats with appropriate diagnostics
Use upright feeding positions for cats with confirmed megaoesophagus due to MG
Monitor regularly for aspiration pneumonia — the primary welfare complication of focal MG