Neuromuscular Diseases

The peripheral nerve (nerves outside of the brain and the spinal cord) and muscle diseases all fall into the realm of neurology. A few examples of these diseases are tick paralysis, myasthenia gravis, laryngeal paralysis, megaesophagus (abnormal dilation of the esophagus), and metabolic muscle diseases. Electro diagnostic testing is one of the most informative methods used to identify neuromuscular disorders. This requires a very sophisticated machine (EMG) with which we can test the electrical activity of the muscles and the conduction capability of the peripheral nerves and spinal cord. The EMG can also evaluate the communication between the peripheral nerves and muscles. In addition to EMG analysis, muscle and nerve biopsies may be required to completely identify a neuromuscular disorder in your pet. In this procedure, very small incisions are made thru which samples of muscle and superficial nerves are collected for microscopic evaluation.