Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Goat with swallowing trouble from extra ribs pressing esophagus
By Means, Kari L et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2025·Department of Surgical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Segmental Megaesophagus Secondary to Extraluminal Esophageal Stenosis Caused by Transitional Seventh Cervical Vertebra and Supernumerary Ribs in a Goat.
- Species:
- goat
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Nigerian Dwarf goat was brought in for chronic regurgitation and swelling in the neck that had been happening for three years. The vet found a large mass in the goat's neck, and despite attempts to swallow, the mass didn't change size. X-rays and a CT scan showed that a bone abnormality in the neck was pressing on the esophagus, causing it to dilate and leading to the regurgitation. This unusual case highlights how a cervical rib can cause serious swallowing issues in goats.
People also search for: goat regurgitation causes · cervical swelling in goats · megaesophagus treatment in goats
Abstract
A 4-year-old Nigerian Dwarf wether presented for chronic regurgitation and cervical swelling of three years duration. Physical examination revealed a large ventral cervical mass. The goat made repeated attempts to swallow and regurgitate, but the mass did not change significantly in size. Cervical radiographs revealed segmental esophageal dilation to the level of the thoracic inlet. CT revealed a transitional seventh cervical vertebra with fused right and left ribs, resulting in extramural esophageal compression and obstruction at the level of the thoracic inlet. This is the first report of a cervical rib causing megaesophagus in a goat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39798084/