Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Successful management of megaoesophagus associated with hypothyroidism in a dog: A case report
- Journal:
- Journal of Veterinary and animal sciences
- Year:
- 2024
- Authors:
- Malavika, J. et al.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A seven-year-old male Dachshund was brought to the vet because he had been regurgitating food and losing weight for the past two months. During the exam, the vet noticed his fur was dry and rough, and he had some bald patches on his nose and tail. Blood tests showed he had a high white blood cell count and mild anemia, along with some other unusual results related to his liver and thyroid. An X-ray confirmed he had megaesophagus (a condition where the esophagus is enlarged and doesn't work properly), and further tests showed he had low thyroid hormone levels. The dog was treated with a thyroid medication and another drug to help with his esophagus, along with antibiotics and dietary changes. After a month, he had not regurgitated at all, indicating that the treatment was successful.
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: https://doi.org/10.51966/jvas.2024.55.3.664-666