Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics may worsen myasthenia gravis weakness
By Guzman, Karen Marina Hernandez & Harkin, Kenneth·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2023·From Ryan Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected Fluoroquinolone-Induced Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG), a condition that causes muscle weakness, showed worsening symptoms after being treated with a type of antibiotic called fluoroquinolones. Specifically, six dogs experienced a decline in their condition within about 4.5 days of starting this medication. After stopping the fluoroquinolone, one dog showed significant improvement in weakness within just 36 hours, while two others improved when the antibiotic was combined with another medication. Unfortunately, three dogs did not recover and were euthanized due to severe weakness, and one dog died from breathing problems.
People also search for: dog myasthenia gravis symptoms · fluoroquinolone side effects in dogs · dog muscle weakness treatment
Abstract
Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in dogs can present with focal or generalized weakness and is diagnosed by the presence of circulating antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor. Megaesophagus is the most common focal form of MG. Although exacerbation of MG has been associated with the use of fluoroquinolones in humans, it has not been previously described in dogs. The medical records of 46 dogs diagnosed with MG based on acetylcholine receptor antibody testing from 1997 to 2021 were retrospectively evaluated to identify any dogs who demonstrated exacerbation of MG after the administration of a fluoroquinolone. Exacerbation of MG, from focal to generalized, occurred in a median of 4.5 days after initiation of fluoroquinolone therapy in six dogs. In addition, one dog with generalized MG and megaesophagus developed pyridostigmine resistance subsequent to fluoroquinolone therapy. Marked improvement in generalized weakness was reported 36 hr after discontinuation of fluoroquinolone therapy alone in one dog and in combination with pyridostigmine in two dogs. Fluoroquinolone therapy was never stopped in three dogs who were euthanized because of severe weakness and one dog who died of respiratory arrest.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37708471/