Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cricopharyngeal achalasia causing swallowing trouble in young dogs
By Elliott, R C·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2010·Bryanston Veterinary Hospital·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An anatomical and clinical review of cricopharyngeal achalasia in the dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A young dog with difficulty swallowing solid food was diagnosed with cricopharyngeal achalasia, a rare condition that disrupts the swallowing process. This dog appeared healthy but could develop serious issues like aspiration pneumonia if not treated. The vet confirmed the diagnosis using videofluoroscopy and recommended surgery to correct the problem. The surgery involved removing part of the muscles that control the upper esophagus, which has a good chance of curing the condition. In some cases, botulism toxin injections can provide temporary relief before surgery.
People also search for: dog swallowing problems · cricopharyngeal achalasia treatment · puppy aspiration pneumonia · dog surgery for dysphagia
Abstract
Cricopharyngeal achalasia is a rare cause of dysphagia in the dog. However it must be differentiated from other causes of dysphagia as it is treatable with surgery. It is a disruption of the cricopharyngeal phase of the oropharyngeal phase of deglutition. There appears to be an incoordination in the swallowing process between the relaxation of the rostral, middle pharyngeal muscles and the caudal pharyngeal muscles. It is seen as a primary condition in young animals presenting soon after weaning onto solid food. The dogs appear clinically healthy unless there is secondary aspiration pneumonia or emaciation. These dogs may present as respiratory emergencies and require intensive support and treatment prior to corrective surgery. The diagnosis is made on videofluoroscopy. The condition carries a good prognosis for cure with surgical myectomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle and the thyropharyngeal muscle, which make up the upper oesophageal sphincter. Temporary relief prior to surgery can be achieved by injection of the cricopharyngeal muscle with botulism toxin. Surgical treatment for dysphagia secondary to an underlying neurological, neuromuscular or pharyngeal weakness carries a guarded prognosis and will make aspiration pneumonia worse.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21247010/