Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

swallowing appear at 4 to 10 months of age. These puppies are stunted and
malnourished.
Adult-onset megaesophagus is an acquired condition that occurs with several
rare neuromuscular diseases, including myasthenia gravis. Other known
causes are hypothyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, esophagitis, autoimmune
diseases, and heavy metal poisoning. In most cases the cause is unknown.
A chest X-ray may show an enlarged esophagus, opaque material in the
esophagus, or aspiration pneumonia. The diagnosis can be confirmed by
administering a barium meal and then taking an X-ray of the chest.
Ultrasound will also detect megaesophagus.
Treatment: The primary goals are maintaining nutrition and preventing
complications. Divide a puppy’s daily ration into four or more small meals. It
is important to provide food and water from raised bowls to maximize the effects of
gravity. A semiliquid or gruel mixture is easier for some dogs to swallow.
Others do better with solids. This should be determined by trial and error. If
possible, the dog should remain standing up—that is, front feet on a stepstool
or ladder—for 15 to 30 minutes after eating so gravity will help move the food
into the stomach.
Even with dedicated care, many dogs with megaesophagus will remain
somewhat stunted and have bouts of aspiration pneumonia. Episodes of aspiration
pneumonia require antibiotics, selected after culture and sensitivity
tests. Signs of pneumonia are coughing, fever, and rapid, labored breathing
(see Pneumonia, page 324).
Puppies with congenital megaesophagus may eventually outgrow the condition.
Surgical correction of some vascular ring anomalies is possible. Dogs
with congenital megaesophagus should not be used for breeding.
Adult-onset megaesophagus is irreversible, but some dogs do well for many
years with careful attention to feeding and prompt treatment of respiratory
infections.
FOREIGN BODY IN THE ESOPHAGUS
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM • 259
Foreign bodies in the esophagus are common. Bones and bone splinters are
seen most often. Other objects that obstruct a dog’s esophagus include string,
fishhooks, needles, wood splinters, and small toys. Suspect a foreign body in
the esophagus when a dog suddenly begins to gag, retch, drool, and regurgitate.
A history of regurgitation and difficulty swallowing for several days or
longer suggests a partial obstruction.
Sharp foreign bodies are particularly dangerous, because they can perforate
the esophagus. A dog with a perforated esophagus exhibits fever, cough, rapid
breathing, difficulty swallowing, and a rigid stance.
The diagnosis can usually be made by taking X-rays of the neck and chest.
Ingesting a contrast material such as Gastrografin, followed by an X-ray of the
esophagus, may be required.