Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Megaesophagus outbreaks in large male dogs linked to two dry foods
By Hurley, Karyl J et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2021·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A comparative analysis of two unrelated outbreaks in Latvia and Australia of acquired idiopathic megaesophagus in dogs fed two brands of commercial dry dog foods: 398 cases (2014-2018).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of large-breed male dogs in Latvia and Australia developed acquired idiopathic megaesophagus (AIME), a condition that affects their ability to swallow. Symptoms included regurgitation, weight loss, and sometimes coughing or breathing problems due to aspiration pneumonia. In Latvia, 253 dogs were affected, while 145 dogs in Australia were diagnosed with the same issue after eating specific brands of dog food. Despite thorough investigations, no clear cause was found, suggesting that individual sensitivities to certain ingredients might be involved. Unfortunately, the outbreaks highlighted the need for better monitoring of pet food-related health issues.
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Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: In Latvia in 2014, acquired idiopathic megaesophagus (AIME) was observed in increased numbers of dogs that consumed varieties of 1 brand of dog food. Within 2 years, 253 dogs were affected. In Australia in November 2017, 6 working dogs that consumed 1 diet of another brand of dog food developed AIME. In total, 145 Australian dogs were affected. CLINICAL FINDINGS: AIME was diagnosed predominantly in large-breed male dogs (> 25 kg [55 lb]). Regurgitation, weight loss, and occasionally signs consistent with aspiration pneumonia (coughing, dyspnea, or fever) were noted. Most Latvian dogs had mild to severe peripheral polyneuropathies as evidenced by laryngeal paralysis, dysphonia, weakness, and histopathologic findings consistent with distal axonopathy. In Australian dogs, peripheral polyneuropathies were not identified, and histopathologic findings suggested that the innervation of the esophagus and pharynx was disrupted locally, although limited samples were available. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Investigations in both countries included clinical, epidemiological, neuropathologic, and case-control studies. Strong associations between the dog foods and the presence of AIME were confirmed; however, toxicological analyses did not identify a root cause. In Latvia, the implicated dietary ingredients and formulations were unknown, whereas in Australia, extensive investigations were conducted into the food, its ingredients, the supply chain, and the manufacturing facilities, but a cause was not identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A panel of international multidisciplinary experts concluded that the cause of AIME in both outbreaks was likely multifactorial, with the possibility of individualized sensitivities. Without a sentinel group, the outbreak in Australia may not have been recognized for months to years, as happened in Latvia. A better surveillance system for early identification of pet illnesses, including those associated with pet foods, is needed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34227867/