Megaesophagus

The barium shows how LARGE this esophagus is (Image Source)

The esophagus is a part of the gastro-intestinal tract that is extremely important for eating. It is the tube that gets the food down into the stomach. There are many reflexes, muscles and nerves that coordinate to ensure food goes down the esophagus and does not end up in the trachea and then into the respiratory system. If there are any disease processes that alter the structure of the esophagus it could lead to issues with digestion.

The dotted line shows where a normal esophagus would lay vs a megaesophagus (Image Source)

Megaesophagus is typically a condition that is secondary to something else. Once the esophagus becomes flaccid or loses its tone, we will begin to see symptoms of megaesophagus. These symptoms can include regurgitation and coughing, chocking whenever the patient is eating. There may also be symptoms associated with whatever the underlying cause of the megaesophagus is. It is important to not the regurgitation is different from vomiting. Regurgitation is passive, the food can sit in the esophagus and then just come back out of the mouth. Vomiting is active where the body is forcefully expelling the food or item. It can include gagging, muscle contraction and is typically very noisy. To confirm a diagnosis of megaesophagus, x-rays are required. This can show an enlargement of the esophagus in the chest cavity.

Elevated feedings are a must in these pets! (Image Source)

Treatment will include determining the underlying cause and deciding if this can be fixed or managed. After that, the megaesophagus can then be managed as well. This will include using gravity to help move food from esophagus to the stomach. In addition to the elevated feeding, many times making the food into a meat ball consistency, works for the majority of cases. However sometimes it requires trial and error may be required to find what works for your pet. There are some medications that can be added that may help control the regurgitation as well. It is important to see if the underlying condition can be managed, to reduce the risk of worsening the megaesophagus.

There are many different methods of elevated feedings. You will have to find the one that works best for you and your pet! (Image Source)

For more information on this condition please visit the following website here.