Vizsla Idiopathic Inflammatory Polymyopathy (VIP) is now a recognised disease. Scroll down for veterinary references.
Here are the signs that may be present
- dysphagia (esecially at the level of the pharynx)
- poor tongue function
- regurgitation
- hypersalivation
- muscle loss – especially around the head
- exercise intolerance
- creatine kinase > 1000u/l
- megaoesophagus identified on thoracic radiographs
- oesophageal motility problem detected by fluoroscopy
- MRI changes consistent with polymyositis
- electrophysiological changes consistent with muscle disease
Type 2M and AchR Antibody tests should be undertaken to exclude two similar diseases – MMM (Masticatory Muscle Myositis) and MG (Myaesthenia Gravis)
Infectious causes of muscle disease (eg neosporosis, toxoplasmosis) must also be ruled out.
Definitive diagnosis of VIP requires muscle biopsy submission the Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory in San Diego. MRI and EMG will be useful to identify the most appropriate muscle to sample.
See the treatment page – and immuno-suppressive protocols
References
April 2015 – publication of peer reviewed Vizsla Inflammatory Polymyopathy – (VIP)
As of 2014 four VPM (Vizsla Polymyositis) abstracts have been presented to their respective conferences
Congresses
Tauro and others 2013 – BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association)
Tauro and others 2012 – ECVN (European college Veterinary Neurology)
Haley and others 2011 – ACVIM(American College Veterinary internal medicine)
Foale and others 2008 – BSAVA (British Small Animal veterinary Association)
Dr Clare Rusbridge BVMS, PhD, DipECVN, MRCVS
Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory
Gribbles Veterinary Pathology
Veterinary Record
January 2011
