• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.59-62
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• 2014

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.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.121-123
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• 2016

A 7-year-old castrated male domestic short-hair cat presented with anorexia, constipation, depression, and voice alteration. Physical and neurological examinations revealed hyperthermia ($40.5^{\circ}C$), ventroflexion of the neck, reduced responses to external stimuli, generalized muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance. Thoracic radiographs revealed the presence of a cranial mediastinal mass. The history, clinical signs, and other examination results were compatible with acquired myasthenia gravis (MG). Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titers were determined to confirm MG and the serum AChR antibody concentration was 1.24 nmol/L (reference interval, < 0.3 nmol/L). This is the first diagnosis of acquired MG in a cat in Korea.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.203-205
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• 2006

There have been several reports about coexistence of myasthenia and other autoimmune disease. Psoriasis is a papulosquamous disease defined by erythematous plaques with a silvery scale and a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. We report a case of a 49-year-old man with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) superimposed by psoriasis. MG was diagnosed by clinical symptoms, increased acetylcholine receptor antibody titer and repetitive nerve stimulation test. Psoriasis was diagnosed by clinical manifestations and specific skin biopsy findings. MG and psoriasis are both autoimmune diseases. The coexistence of MG and psoriasis suggest a close connection of pathogenesis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.465-468
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• 2006

A 3-year-old, spayed female Shih-tzu dog was presented due to acute vomiting, diarrhea, and generalized weakness. The dog had generalized weakness, increased respiratory rate, and respiratory muscle effect. Neurologic examination revealed appendicular muscular weakness and decreased in tone of the anal sphincter. Megaesophagus was confirmed by radiographic examinations. Other than type 2 fiber atrophy, no specific abnormalities were identified in histopathologic examinations of muscle biopsies from the left pelvic limb. Serum acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody titer was increased (0.78 nmol/L reference range, less than 0.6 nmol/L), confirming a diagnosis of acute fulminating myasthenia gravis. The dog dramatically responded to pyridostigmine bromide and had marked improvement in muscle strength, megaesophagus, and respiratory function. The dog has been successfully managed for 7 months after initial treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.392-395
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• 2005

A three-year old intact female German shepherd dog weighing 32kg was presented with the history of regurgitation and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a thin body condition, hoarse voice, hypersalivation, and pelvic limb weakness. In radiograph, meagaesophagus was identified. The neostigmine challenge test was positive. The titer of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody was 1.58 nmol/L (reference range, <0.6nmol). Therefore, the dog was diagnosed to be suffering with chronic generalized form of acquired myasthenia gravis and followed by treatment with pyridostigmine bromide, 1mg/kg, q12 hrs. Treatment improved the pelvic limb weakness, however intermittent regurgitation and vomiting persisted. This resulted in aspiration pneumonia f3r which antibiotics were administered However, the dog was euthanized due to poor management and owner's request.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.107-111
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• 2012

Three dogs (An 8 years-old intact female Poodle, a 7 years-old intact male Schunauzer, and an 8 yearsold Golden Retriever) were presented due to acute vomiting, dyspnea, and generalized weakness. Megaesophagus was confirmed through radiographic examination in all 3 dogs. Relative oesophageal diameter (ROD) was measured and results of ROD measurements showed the possibility of megaesophagus secondary to myasthenia gravis in three dogs. Thus we performed anticholinesterase test as screening test for myasthenia gravis. In all three dogs, esophageal diameter was reduced after neostigmine methylsulfate administration. For definite diagnosis of acquired myasthenia gravis, serum acetylcholine receptor antibody titer was measured, but definite diagnosis was confirmed only in one case. However, based on history, radiographic findings, anticholinesterase test, ROD measurement, other two cases were still suspected as megaesophagus secondary to myasthenia gravis. Treatment with pyridostigmine bromide was initiated in all dogs, and improvement of esophageal diameter was shown in all dogs. One dog was successfully managed for 15 months after initial treatment and, is still alive, but other two dogs were died shortly after initial treatment, because of severe aspiration pneumonia.