Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with swallowing trouble and weight loss improved after thymoma
By Lainesse, M F et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1996·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Focal myasthenia gravis as a paraneoplastic syndrome of canine thymoma: improvement following thymectomy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old male cocker spaniel-cross was brought in for regurgitation, dry retching, and weight loss. X-rays showed a large mass in the chest and an enlarged esophagus, which led to a diagnosis of thymoma (a type of tumor) and a related condition called myasthenia gravis that affects swallowing. The dog underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which quickly improved his swallowing issues and overall health. Unfortunately, the tumor came back six months later, but he was doing well until then.
People also search for: dog regurgitation treatment · cocker spaniel weight loss · thymoma in dogs · myasthenia gravis in dogs · dog megaesophagus symptoms
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8680916/