Spontaneous remission in canine myasthenia gravis: Implications for assessing human MG therapies

The natural course of autoimmune canine MG was determined in 53 dogs with m uscular weakness and a positive acetylcholine receptor antibody titer. Dogs were treated with anticholinesterase therapy, without immunosuppression. S pontaneous clinical and immunologic remission occurred in 47 of 53 dogs wit hin an average of 6.4 months. Neoplasia was identified in the six dogs that did not spontaneously remit. This study questions the value of using canin e MG in studies designed to assess the effect of immunotherapies.