title: Megaoesophagus secondary to acquired myasthenia gravis.
abstract: Fifteen dogs with confirmed adult onset idiopathic megaoesophagus, in which no generalised muscle weakness was observed, were tested for the presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Of these, six were found to have values greater than 0.6 nmol/litre, previously determined to be diagnostic of acquired myasthenia gravis. The mean serum titre value for these dogs was 5.59 nmol/litre (range 0.78 to 8.72 nmol/litre). It appears that a significant proportion of dogs presenting with megaoesophagus have myasthenia gravis and, if a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be instituted, clinical signs may improve.
authors.affiliation: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Shelton
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004285:Dogs; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic