Korean Journal of Veterinary Research  2014;54(1):59-62

Focal form of acquired myasthenia gravis with megaesophagus in a Yorkshire terrier dog.

Tae Yeon HAHN 1 ; Min Hee KANG ; Ki Dong EOM ; Hee Myung PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

acetylcholine receptor antibody titer; dog; focal form; megaesophagus; myasthenia gravis

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

A 12-year-old, castrated male Yorkshire terrier dog presented with frequent regurgitations that had begun 45 days earlier and become more progressive. Radiographs revealed an air-trap region behind the cranial esophageal sphincter muscle in the esophagus and esophagographies with barium contrast showed mild esophageal dilation with decreased motility. Esophageal motility increased within 5 min of neostigmine methylsulfate administration and acetylcholine receptor antibodies titer increased to beyond the normal range. Based on these findings, acquired myasthenia gravis with focal form was diagnosed, making this the first such case diagnosed by an acetylcholine receptor antibody test in Korea.