Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Esophageal dysfunction in a weanling thoroughbred.
- Journal:
- The Cornell veterinarian
- Year:
- 1987
- Authors:
- Clark, E S et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 6-month-old Thoroughbred colt was having trouble swallowing since he was born, which led to him frequently regurgitating food when he ate semi-solid meals or drank. When he tried to eat solid food, he experienced a complete blockage in his esophagus. A special examination showed that the area where he had the blockage was swollen and not functioning properly. Despite being fed a softer diet, his swallowing problems continued, and he was eventually euthanized at 17 months old. Tests after his death showed no issues with the muscles or nerves involved in swallowing, but the findings indicated that he had a problem with how his esophagus moved.
Abstract
A 6-month-old Thoroughbred colt was examined because of persistent dysphagia noted since birth. Moderately severe regurgitation occurred when the colt ate semi-solid food or drank. Complete esophageal impaction developed when the colt ate solid material. Endoscopic examination revealed ulceration, dilatation and lack of peristalsis in the area of the previous impaction. Barium esophagram demonstrated the dilatation in the area of the previous impaction. Esophageal manometry revealed prolonged simultaneous contractions throughout the esophagus suggesting the presence of a motor abnormality. The colt was maintained on a slurry of complete pelleted feed, but the esophageal dysfunction persisted until euthanasia at 17 months of age. Gross post mortem and histologic examinations showed no abnormalities in the muscularis mucosa, myenteric plexus, vagus nerve, or brain stem. The history, signs, and manometric findings suggested esophageal dysfunction in this colt. Motor disorders of the esophagus should be considered in horses with persistent dysphagia or recurrent episodes of choke and esophageal manometry can help characterize these disorders.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3568685/