Vet Info


VPM (Vizsla Polymyositis) is now a recognised disease. Scroll down for references.


Here are the signs that may be present
  • dysphagia (esecially at the level of the pharynx)
  • poor tongue function
  • regurgitation
  • hypersalivation
  • muscle loss - especially around the head
  • exercise intolerance
  • creatine kinase > 1000u/l
  • megaoesophagus identified on thoracic radiographs
  • oesophageal motility problem detected by fluoroscopy
  • MRI changes consistent with polymyositis
  • electrophysiological changes consistent with muscle disease
Type 2M and AchR Antibody tests should be undertaken to exclude two similar diseases - MMM (Masticatory Muscle Myositis) and MG (Myaesthenia Gravis)

 Infectious causes of muscle disease (eg neosporosis, toxoplasmosis) must also be ruled out.

 Definitive diagnosis of VPM requires muscle bipsy submission the Comparitive Neuromuscular Laboratory in San Diego.

References (click on blue link)

 Congresses
Tauro and others 2012 - ECVN (European College Veterinary Neurology)
Haley and others 2011 - ACVIM (American College Veterinary Internal Medicine)
Foale and others 2008 - BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association)
Dr Clare Rusbridge  BVMS, PhD, DipECVN, MRCVS
website
vizsla DNA collection
Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory
a case study
muscle disease in the vizsla
Veterinary Record
January 2011
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)