Section: Overview
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 esophagus.
Causes
Megaesophagus is decreased or absent esophageal movement that often results in dilatation, or stretching beyond normal size. It may be congenital (existing from birth) or acquired later in life.
Vascular ring anomaly is strangulation (compression) of the esophagus within several structures, causing a partial megaesophagus.
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus.
Esophageal foreign bodies are any objects present or remaining within the esophagus.
Esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus.
Esophageal diverticula are pouch-like dilatations of the esophageal wall.
Esophageal neoplasia is cancer of the esophagus.
Esophageal fistula is an abnormal communication between the esophagus and another structure (bronchus).
Hiatal hernia is an abnormality of the diaphragm allowing part of the stomach to be displaced into the chest cavity.
Although in most esophageal diseases there are no sex, breed or age predilections, some esophageal diseases are seen more commonly in younger animals, and some are seen more commonly in certain breeds (foreign bodies more commonly in small or toy breeds).
What to Watch For
Salivation
Anorexia (poor appetite)
Excessive or persistent gulping
Discomfort upon swallowing
Coughing
Regurgitation, which is the effortless evacuation of fluid, mucus and undigested food from the esophagus
Related Articles
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1
Vomiting in Dogs
At one time or another your dog may have a bout of vomiting, usually from eating too much or too fast. Vomiting may be just a sign of a minor problem – or it could be something very serious.
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Regurgitation in Dogs
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.
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Esophagitis in Dogs
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.
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Megaesophagus in Dogs
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.
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