Esophagitis in Cats

Esophagitis in Cats

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Information In-depth

The magnitude of clinical signs depends on the severity and depth of esophageal inflammation. The signs may be subtle and may be present for weeks or months, or they may be extremely severe and come about quickly.

Because the history, physical examination findings and overall presentation of cats with esophagitis are variable, there are other illnesses or symptoms that might initially be considered when establishing a definitive diagnosis. These include:

  • Hiatal hernia is an abnormality of the diaphragm that allows part of the stomach to be displaced into the thoracic (chest) cavity.

  • Neoplasia (cancer) of the esophagus can be associated with inflammation and cause similar signs.

  • Esophageal foreign bodies are objects within the esophagus that will not move out without assistance. Most often they include things like bones or toys, but can include food or any other object.


  • Esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus. This often occurs secondary to severe esophageal inflammation.

  • Megaesophagus is a decreased or absent esophageal movement that usually results in dilatation (stretching and widening) of the esophagus.

  • An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch-like dilatation of the esophageal wall.

  • Vascular ring anomaly is strangulation or compression of the esophagus within several structures, causing a partial megaesophagus.

  • Melena is digested blood that is passed in the feces. It can occur secondary to swallowing blood for any number of reasons, including severe esophageal inflammation, inflammation or ulceration within the mouth or gastrointestinal tract, or any coagulation (clotting) disorder.

  • Pain from any other disease process, including tooth, mouth or neck pain may cause the same symptoms as esophagitis.

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Esophageal Disease in Cats

      The esophagus is the tubular, muscular organ that extends from the pharynx to the stomach and functions to transmit ingested material to the stomach. Esophageal disease is any disease that effects the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Megaesophagus in Cats

      Megaesophagus is a condition of the esophagus where there is decreased or absent movement. This can be caused by a variety of nerve or muscle diseases and most often causes regurgitation.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Regurgitation in Cats

      Unlike vomiting, regurgitation is not accompanied by nausea and does not involve forceful abdominal contractions. It is a symptom of esophageal disease and not a disorder in itself.

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Esophageal Disease in Cats

      The esophagus is the tubular, muscular organ that extends from the pharynx to the stomach and functions to transmit ingested material to the stomach. Esophageal disease is any disease that effects the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Megaesophagus in Cats

      Megaesophagus is a condition of the esophagus where there is decreased or absent movement. This can be caused by a variety of nerve or muscle diseases and most often causes regurgitation.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Regurgitation in Cats

      Unlike vomiting, regurgitation is not accompanied by nausea and does not involve forceful abdominal contractions. It is a symptom of esophageal disease and not a disorder in itself.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Esophageal Disease in Cats

      The esophagus is the tubular, muscular organ that extends from the pharynx to the stomach and functions to transmit ingested material to the stomach. Esophageal disease is any disease that effects the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Megaesophagus in Cats

      Megaesophagus is a condition of the esophagus where there is decreased or absent movement. This can be caused by a variety of nerve or muscle diseases and most often causes regurgitation.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Regurgitation in Cats

      Unlike vomiting, regurgitation is not accompanied by nausea and does not involve forceful abdominal contractions. It is a symptom of esophageal disease and not a disorder in itself.

      Read MoreRead More