Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Esophageal motility problems in cats explained
By Moses, L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2000·Department of Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Esophageal motility dysfunction in cats: a study of 44 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with esophageal problems, which made it hard for them to swallow, were studied to find out what was causing their issues. Most of these cats were diagnosed with conditions like myasthenia gravis or congenital problems that affected their esophagus. The good news is that about 78% of the cats that received treatment, including medications like sucralfate and metoclopramide, showed improvement in their symptoms. This suggests that with the right care, many cats can feel better and eat more comfortably again.
People also search for: cat swallowing problems · treatment for cat esophageal issues · myasthenia gravis in cats
Abstract
A retrospective study evaluated cases of feline esophageal dysfunction. Cats identified had contrast esophagrams performed during a six-year period. Of 56 cases undergoing esophagography, 51 had complete records available for review. Forty-four cases were felt to be abnormal and were included in the study. Cases were analyzed for signalment, presenting complaints, and identifiable causes of abnormal esophageal motility. Response to treatment and case outcome were also reviewed. The signalment of the cases varied widely, especially in age. The occurrence of esophageal motility dysfunction was low, comprising only 0.05% of all feline cases seen in a six-year period. Forty-three percent of cases were considered idiopathic, and 57% were congenital or diagnosed with conditions known to cause esophageal motility dysfunction. The causative disease states included myasthenia gravis, mediastinal masses, vascular ring anomalies, dysautonomia, and esophageal stricture. Seventy-eight percent of those treated with medical therapy (i.e., combinations of sucralfate, H2 receptor antagonists, and either metoclopramide or cisapride) showed clinical improvement.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10914528/