313 Megaesophagus is rare in cats and occurs as a congenital or secondary acquired disorder. In dogs, megaesophagus can occur as a congenital disorder, as a secondary acquired disorder, or as an adult-onset idiopathic disease. This article reviews the anatomy, pathogenesis, causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and management of megaesophagus.
Pathogenesis includes experimental evidence that evaluates the neural pathway of affected patients.
The many diseases that can cause megaesophagus are delineated. The most common clinical sign associated with megaesophagus is regurgitation. Definitive diagnosis requires identification of a dilated esophagus on survey thoracic radiographs or a barium esophagogram. Medical management, including alternative feeding methods and the role of prokinetic drugs, is discussed.