Myotonia and disorders of altered muscle cell membrane excitability

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2002 Jan;32(1):169-87, vii. doi: 10.1016/s0195-5616(03)00084-6.

Abstract

Altered excitability of the skeletal muscle membrane (sarcolemma) can result in clinical signs of muscle dysfunction. Hyperexcitability of the sarcolemma results in myotonia, and hypoexcitability results in paresis or paralysis. Our understanding of the physiologic and molecular bases of disorders of sarcolemmal excitability is rapidly increasing as techniques for evaluation are improved. This article reviews muscle excitability disorders in dogs and cats and their pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Cats
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dogs
  • Myotonia / diagnosis
  • Myotonia / veterinary*
  • Physical Examination / veterinary*
  • Sarcolemma*