Dimitraki V. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Konstantinidis A.O. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Katsiampoulas E. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Patsikas M.N. Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Soubasis N. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Adamama-Moraitou K.K. Medicine Unit, Companion Animals Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
Megaesophagus is a disorder of the esophagus characterized by diffuse dilation and decreased peristalsis. It is classified into congenital and acquired. The purpose of this study is to present 60 dogs with megaesophagus.
Clinical cases
The medical records of 60 dogs with megaesophagus over a twelve-year period were included in this study.
Results
Sixty dogs (32 males and 28 females) were included in the study. Ages ranged from 1.5 months to 15 years (median: 6.5 years). Mixed breed (35%), German Shepherd dog (8%) and English Bulldog (7%) were overrepresented. Predominant clinical signs at the time of diagnosis were regurgitation (98%), weight loss (65%), coughing (42%), and fever (33%). The main laboratory finding was neutrophilic leukocytosis (33%). Diagnosis was made by plain radiography (88%) and/or esophagography (13%). Αspiration pneumonia was observed in 17 cases (28%). Esophagoscopy was performed in 21 cases (35%). Congenital megaesophagus was diagnosed in 17 dogs, while acquired in 43. Hospitalization was required in 20 dogs. Twenty dogs showed slight to significant clinical improvement within 20 to 826 days, and 14 dogs died due to aspiration pneumonia or were euthanized within one to 254 days. Long-term follow-up was not available for 26 dogs.
Conclusion
ME is a common gastrointestinal disorder in dogs. Acquired idiopathic ME was the most common type. Due to its complications, the prognosis is considered poor.
References
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