Abstract
Megaoesophagus is uncommon but an important consideration for chronic regurgitation in dogs. Five dogs of various breeds were presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC) at College of Veterinary Science, Hyderabad with signs of chronic regurgitation, loss of weight, lethargy, weakness, dehydration and abnormalities of skin, and hair coat were diagnosed for megaesophagus on barium meal contrast radiography. At the TVCC, radiography and gastroscopy were performed, and the condition was confirmed as megaesophagus. Ancillary hemato-biochemical evaluations revealed normocytic normochromic anemia and mild leukocytosis with normal enzymatic activity in liver and kidneys. The thyroid profile in 80% (n=4/5) dogs showed decreased T3 and T4, and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels confirming hypothyroidism. Ultrasonography of abdomen eliminated obstructions in the gastro-intestinal tract and other systemic conditions. Echocardiographic observations were normal in all the dogs. Treatment with metoclopramide (dosed at 5 mg/kg bwt) and levothyroxine (dosed at 20 μg/kg bwt) and modified management practices involving feeding and diets were successful in controlling the regurgitation in dogs and resulted in good clinical recovery within 20-30 days of post-treatment.
Highlights
Megaesophagus is a condition in which the muscles of the esophagus lose their tone and are no longer able to propel food into the stomach
The esophagus dilates, or enlarges due to the lack of muscle tone, as a result of which, the food gets lodged in the esophagus, and unable to move to the stomach
The findings in the present study revealed that the 80% dogs (n=4/5) were associated with hypothyroidism and 20% (n=1/5) with an idiopathic origin
Summary
Megaesophagus is a condition in which the muscles of the esophagus lose their tone and are no longer able to propel food into the stomach. The esophagus becomes dilated leading to esophageal paralysis and dysfunction. The majority of cases in canine, megaesophagus have no apparent cause and the condition may be termed as idiopathic megaesophagus. The disease can be either secondary to underyling disease, such as, hypothyroidism or mysthenia gravis or a congenital disease associated with vascular ring anomaly in very young puppies. Clinical signs of megaesophagus vary depending on severity and may include: regurgitation that may begin minutes to several hours after eating or drinking, excessive salivation, mild to moderate weight loss, coughing or wheezes (German, 2005)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
