This is megaesophagus (ME) in a dog, which may be caused by myasthenia gravis (MG), esophagitis, hypoadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, and a variety of autoimmune or congenital disorders. ME may be idiopathic. ME causes regurgitation of esophageal contents and aspiration pneumonia.
MG is an immune-mediated neuromuscular junctionopathy that reduces the number of post-synaptic acetylcholine receptors, resulting in paresis. ME can be seen with both general and focal forms of MG.
Treat the underlying cause, when found. Manage ME with elevated feeding (see image of a Yorkie in a Bailey chair, here) of small, frequent meals. Goal is to minimize regurgitation, and some dogs do best with meatballs, while others do better with slurries or dry food.
Other supportive care measures include gastric acid reduction or sucralfate administration. Sildenafil has shown promise in some cases of ME.
Prognosis varies with underlying cause and treatment. Leading causes of death are owner noncompliance, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition.
Radiograph image courtesy of Dr. Terri DeFrancesco, Copyright 2022, All rights reserved.
Yorkie in Bailey chair image courtesy of Jen Mahon, DVM, DACVECC.
