Common Esophageal Issues in Dogs: What You Need to Know

1. Dysphagia (Laryngeal Recess)

The normal opening and closing of the laryngeal sphincter facilitate the passage of food from the mouth to the esophagus. Laryngeal recession occurs when this muscle fails to relax adequately, leading to difficulties in swallowing food or liquids. This condition is often hereditary, but adult dogs can also be affected. Dogs with this issue may struggle to swallow and eventually regurgitate their food. A common complication is aspiration pneumonia, especially when swallowing liquids, as they can easily enter the trachea and then the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it may be related to a neuromuscular disorder in adult dogs.

Treatment may involve the removal of the malfunctioning muscle, with some cases showing immediate improvement in swallowing after surgery. Approximately 65% of cases are successful postsurgery, but dogs with concurrent neuromuscular abnormalities may not respond well to the procedure. If aspiration pneumonia is present, aggressive treatment should be administered promptly.

2. Esophageal Dilatation (Megaoesophagus)

Megaoesophagus, or abnormal dilation of the esophagus, can be congenital or acquired. Congenital cases often result from vascular ring anomalies, such as persistent right aortic arch, leading to dilation in the front of the restricted esophagus.

Other causes of esophageal dilatation include myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, adrenal insufficiency, poisoning, and more. Megaoesophagus can also be secondary to esophageal compression due to trauma, tumors, foreign bodies, or other causes.

The primary symptom of megaoesophagus is regurgitation, with dogs quickly vomiting food that has not reached the stomach. Over time, this can lead to weight loss and, in severe cases, aspiration pneumonia. Esophageal dilation is often visible on chest Xrays, but to observe esophageal movement and internal conditions,透视 and endoscopy are necessary.

Once megaoesophagus is detected, it's crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause. For instance, surgical correction for vascular ring anomalies is often successful. Dogs with megaoesophagus due to myasthenia gravis may require specific treatment medications. Regardless of the specific cause, improving the texture of food and the posture during feeding is important. Feeding soft food or canned kibble, possibly in small, balllike portions, and encouraging the dog to stand for 15 minutes after eating can help gravity assist the passage of food into the stomach. Providing highenergy food is essential to maintain the dog's weight, and medication should be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux and prevent further esophageal damage. Megaoesophagus complicated by aspiration pneumonia has a poor prognosis.

3. Esophageal Motility Disorders

Young dogs, particularly terriers, may exhibit esophageal motility abnormalities without the presence of megaoesophagus, leading to regurgitation. However, many dogs improve as they age.

4. Esophageal Stenosis

Esophageal stenosis can occur secondary to esophageal trauma, such as from foreign bodies or corrosive substances, postanesthetic acid reflux, or specific medications like doxycycline, leading to esophagitis and scarring. Symptoms include regurgitation, excessive salivation, dysphagia, and pain during swallowing.

Diagnosis of esophageal stenosis requires observation of esophageal movement under fluoroscopy and subsequent endoscopy. Treatment involves esophageal balloon dilation, where a tube with a balloon is inserted into the esophagus and gradually inflated at the narrowed area. This procedure may need to be repeated multiple times.

5. Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia is a diaphragmatic abnormality that allows part of the stomach to enter the chest, causing esophageal reflux. It can be congenital or acquired, with Shar Peis prone to congenital cases. Hiatal hernias can be either fixed or sliding.

In some Bulldogs, a sliding hiatal hernia may develop due to the increased respiratory resistance, leading to negative pressure in the chest during inhalation and potentially allowing part of the stomach to slide into the chest. This can result in sudden vomiting of food, a common complaint among owners of affected Bulldogs.

Diagnosis of hiatal hernia requires a combination of clinical symptoms and esophageal barium swallow Xrays or fluoroscopy to observe esophageal movement. Congenital cases presenting early may benefit from surgery, but for those discovered later, conservative treatment is typically recommended first, including dietary changes and medication to manage gastroesophageal reflux. Surgery is considered only if conservative treatments fail.

For more information on canine esophageal diseases, click here to read "What to Do About Dog Esophageal Obstruction."