Focal myasthenia gravis as a paraneoplastic syndrome of canine thymoma: improvement following thymectomy

Abstract

A 10-year-old, neutered male cocker spaniel-cross experienced regurgitation, dry retching, and weight loss. A large, mediastinal mass and dilatation of the esophagus were seen on thoracic radiographs. Cytological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and serological findings were consistent with a lymphoepithelial thymoma and focal, esophageal myasthenia gravis. Surgical removal of the mass resulted in rapid resolution of the megaesophagus and a decrease in serum acetylcholine-receptor antibody concentration. The dog was clinically normal until the thymoma recurred six months postoperatively. Clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation, management, and treatment of a dog with thymoma and megaesophagus are described.