Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with megaesophagus and hypothyroidism treated successfully
By Malavika, J. et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary and animal sciences·2024·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Successful management of megaoesophagus associated with hypothyroidism in a dog: A case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male Dachshund was brought to the vet because he was regurgitating food and losing weight for two months. The vet found that he had a rough coat, some hair loss, and breathing issues. Tests showed he had low thyroid hormone levels and a condition called megaesophagus, where the esophagus is enlarged and doesn't work properly. The dog was treated with a thyroid medication and another drug to help with muscle contractions, along with antibiotics and dietary changes like elevated feeding. After a month, he stopped regurgitating and was doing much better.
People also search for: dog regurgitation treatment · Dachshund weight loss · megaesophagus in dogs · hypothyroidism in dogs · elevated feeding for dogs
Abstract
A seven-year-old male Dachshund was presented with a history of chronic regurgitation and weight loss for two months. On clinical examination, dry and rough hair coat with alopecia on nose bridge and rat tail appearance were observed. Elevated rectal temperature and increased respiratory rate were noticed. Auscultation of lung field revealed mild crackles. Leucocytosis and mild anaemia were evident on complete blood count. Hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and elevation of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed in serum biochemistry. The total T4 (TT4) value was low and canine-specific thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH) was elevated. Megaoesophagus was confirmed by plain radiography. Barium contrast radiograph revealed generalised dilatation with pooling of barium in the oesophagus. The animal was treated with levothyroxine sodium at 0.02 mg/kg BW PO BID and bethanechol at 10 mg PO TID. Supportive therapy included antibiotics, antacids and antiemetics. Elevated feeding was advised. The animal had no episodes of regurgitation even after one month Keywords: Megaoesophagus, hypothyroidism, bethanechol, elevated feeding
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2024.55.3.664-666