Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Transient megaesophagus in dogs after coral snake bite
By Heinz, Justin Andrew et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2020·From Texas A&M University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Transient Megaesophagus Following Coral Snake Envenomation in Three Dogs (2013-2018).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs, including a 12-year-old dachshund, a 7-year-old English springer spaniel, and a 1.5-year-old French bulldog, were brought to the vet after being bitten by a coral snake. They showed signs of weakness and developed a condition called transient megaesophagus, which affects their ability to swallow. Unfortunately, two of the dogs developed serious lung infections, and one had to be euthanized. The third dog needed help breathing but was successfully treated and recovered, with the swallowing issue resolving before going home.
People also search for: dog snake bite symptoms · megaesophagus in dogs · treatment for dog breathing problems
Abstract
A 12 yr old dachshund, a 7 yr old English springer spaniel, and a 1.5 yr old French bulldog presented following envenomation by a coral snake. Each patient displayed evidence of varying degrees of lower motor neuron dysfunction, but all three developed transient megaesophagus. Two patients developed secondary aspiration pneumonia, with one requiring mechanical ventilation, which the owners declined, resulting in euthanasia. The third developed hypoventilation without aspiration pneumonia, was mechanically ventilated, and was successfully weaned. In the two surviving patients, the megaesophagus resolved by time of discharge. Coral snake envenomation is an uncommon occurrence, and these are the first documented cases of transient megaesophagus secondary to a North American species.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33113557/