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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs and, more rarely, cats. Similar to retinitis pigmentosa in humans, [ 1 ] it is characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina , causing progressive vision loss culminating in blindness.
Symptoms include sudden permanent blindness, but may occur more slowly over several days, weeks or months, [3] dilated pupils.Pupillary light reflexes are usually reduced but present; the slow phase mediated by melanopsin in retinal ganglion cells is retained.
Ocular myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease of the neuromuscular junction resulting in hallmark variability in muscle weakness and fatigability. MG is an autoimmune disease where anomalous antibodies are produced against the naturally occurring acetylcholine receptors in voluntary muscles.
“Cherry eye is a common eye condition in dogs where a gland in the third eyelid pops out and swells up, making it look like a red, swollen ‘cherry’ in the corner of the eye,” says Dr. Hood.
Muscle-atrophy can be induced in pre-clinical models (e.g. mice) to study the effects of therapeutic interventions against muscle-atrophy. Restriction of the diet, i.e. caloric restriction, leads to a significant loss of muscle mass within two weeks, and loss of muscle-mass can be rescued by a nutritional intervention. [35]
Myopathy experienced over a long period (chronic) may result in the muscle becoming an abnormal size, such as muscle atrophy (abnormally small) or a pseudoathletic appearance (abnormally large). Capture myopathy can occur in wild or captive animals, such as deer and kangaroos , and leads to morbidity and mortality. [ 2 ]
Treatment may include vitamin B6, lysine or dramatic dietary change to minimise arginine from patients diet. Research has indicated that these treatments may be somewhat effective in lowering ornithine blood concentration levels in some patients, either in combination or individually.
There is currently no defined treatment to ameliorate the muscle weakness of CPEO. Treatments used to treat other pathologies causing ophthalmoplegia has not been shown to be effective. [citation needed] Experimental treatment with tetracycline has been used to improve ocular motility in one patient. [11] Coenzyme Q 10 has also been used to ...