Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Megaesophagus.
- Journal:
- Compendium (Yardley, PA)
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Mace, Sacha et al.
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley · United States
Plain-English summary
Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, becomes enlarged and doesn't work properly. This can happen from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired) due to various health issues. Pets with megaesophagus often show signs like regurgitating food, losing weight, coughing, and having bad breath. To diagnose this condition, veterinarians usually take X-rays of the chest, but figuring out why it happened may require more detailed tests and a good history of your pet's health. Treatment and the chances of recovery depend a lot on what caused the megaesophagus in the first place.
Abstract
Megaesophagus is a disorder of the esophagus characterized by diffuse dilation and decreased peristalsis. It is classified into congenital and acquired forms. Gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune-mediated, neuromuscular, paraneoplastic, and toxic disorders have been associated with acquired megaesophagus. Common clinical signs of megaesophagus are regurgitation, weight loss, coughing, and halitosis. Most cases of megaesophagus can be diagnosed using thoracic radiography; however, diagnosing the underlying cause requires a thorough history and additional diagnostics. The treatment, management, and prognosis of megaesophagus vary greatly depending on the underlying cause.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22488663/