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Section: Follow-up
Optimal treatment for your dog requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. There is no set regime when following animals with esophageal disease; rather, a plan that is formulated specifically for that individual may be implemented. It is important to administer all prescribed medications, and follow feeding recommendations closely.In individuals with mild to moderate disease, follow up with periodic veterinary exams is often all that is necessary. In cases of severe esophageal disease, like severe esophagitis or stricture formation, follow-up endoscopy is recommended two to four weeks after the initial diagnosis. It is important to be aware of signs that would suggest a secondary pneumonia. These include coughing, difficult or pronounced breathing, general malaise or any unusual behavior. A chest X-ray would be indicated in these cases.
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.
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.
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.
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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