Vizsla Idiopathic Inflammatory Polymyopathy (VIP) is now a recognised disease. Scroll down for 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.
It used to be considered that definitive diagnosis of VIP would require muscle biopsy submission to the Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory in San Diego. No longer the case – inasmuch as the expected inflammatory changes were not always observed on pathology. Biopsies can be hard on an already compromised dog.
Where biopsy is considersed advisable, 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)
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
Vizsla DNA collection – instructions
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