Over the past several years, the number and characterization of neuromuscular diseases affecting companion animals has greatly expanded. Neuromuscular diseases can be diagnostic challenges. This course is designed to bring the attendee up to date on the correct approach to the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. Classifications of muscle and peripheral nerve diseases have changed, as mutations for genetic diseases are identified and the pathogenesis of these diseases defined. This course will enable recognition of the common clinical phenotypes, understanding of the rationale and need for diagnostic testing, and awareness of new genetic tests. Optimal treatments are still lacking for most neuromuscular diseases. Thus, a well-designed approach to clinical trials is required to aid in the discovery of new and effective therapies.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Recognize the clinical phenotype of neuromuscular diseases.
- Develop a diagnostic strategy including a complete history, physical and neurological examinations, electrodiagnostic testing, imaging studies, and muscle and nerve biopsies.
- Understand the indications and use of genetic testing, and value to breeding programs.
- Develop a therapeutic strategy with recognition that not all neuromuscular diseases are treatable.
- Understand that the clinical findings and diagnostic testing should be evaluated in total to determine a final clinical diagnosis.