Megaesophagus in Cats

Megaesophagus in Cats

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

Section: Information In-depth

Because the history, physical examination findings and overall presentation of animals with megaesophagus are variable, there are other illnesses that must be ruled out when establishing a definitive diagnosis. It is important to note that regurgitation, which is the effortless evacuation of fluid, mucus, and undigested food from the esophagus, is the most common clinical sign associated with megaesophagus. Regurgitation must be differentiated from vomiting, which is the forceful evacuation of digested food from the stomach.

The following are often associated with regurgitation:

  • Esophagitis – an inflammation of the esophagus
  • Foreign bodies that obstruct or block the esophagus
  • Esophageal neoplasia (cancer)
  • Hiatal hernia – an abnormality of the diaphragm that allows part of the stomach to be displaced into the thoracic (chest) cavity, uncommon in the
    cat

  • Esophageal diverticula – a pouch-like dilatation or ballooning of the esophageal wall that can be present from birth or acquired secondary to esophageal weakness

    Megaesophagus may occur as a component of several systemic diseases, such as:

  • Myasthenia gravis – an immune disorder that causes fatigue of the muscular system, weakness, downward turning of the head and neck, and difficulty meowing; it is uncommon in the cat

  • Polymyositis – an inflammation of many different muscles in the body
  • Botulism – a type of food poisoning
  • Tetanus – a bacterial infection causing severe muscle spasms
  • Dysautonomia – an inflammation and degeneration of certain components of the autonomic nervous system
  • Toxicity caused by exposure to lead, thallium, and organophosphate insecticides
  • Thymoma – a tumor arising from the thymus organ in the chest

    •  
    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 Esophagitis in Cats

      Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus that can occur from a variety of causes. Frequent vomiting, reflux of gastric juices or ingestion of corrosive chemicals are the most common causes.

      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
    • 1Regurgitation 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
    • 2Esophageal 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
    • 3Esophagitis in Cats

      Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus that can occur from a variety of causes. Frequent vomiting, reflux of gastric juices or ingestion of corrosive chemicals are the most common causes.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Regurgitation 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
    • 2Esophageal 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
    • 3Esophagitis in Cats

      Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus that can occur from a variety of causes. Frequent vomiting, reflux of gastric juices or ingestion of corrosive chemicals are the most common causes.

      Read MoreRead More