By: Laura Vasquez, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Backup, an 11year old female spayed Dachshund, presented for trouble breathing and vomiting. Her symptoms had started while on medical management for suspected intervertebral disc disease a few weeks earlier. She had IVDD with surgery four years earlier. The GI upset was suspected to be due to NSAID use. The IVDD symptoms had appeared to be worsening despite kennel rest. On evaluation, Backup had generalized weakness rather than paraparesis. If she was allowed to rest for periods of time, she would be able to walk short distances before fatiguing and collapsing on all four limbs. Radiographs showed aspiration pneumonia and megaesophagus. Acetylcholine receptor antibody titer was 3.17nmol/L (negative is <0.6nmol/L). She improved quickly on pyridostigmine and antibiotics. Her myasthenia gravis has gone into remission but the megaesophagus is permanent. Her family reports that two years later, Backup is doing well but still requires being fed in her “throne” (Bailey chair).
Lesson: Weak Dachshunds are not all “back dogs.”
