Congenital megaesophagus in a dog

Abstract

Megaesophagus is characterized by esophageal hypomotility associated with total or partial organ distension, which can be classified as congenital, acquired idiopathic, or acquired secondary. The pathogenesis of the congenital form is not well elucidated. However, the main clinical signs are reported after weaning with regurgitation, a delay in the puppy development and in the most severe cases, complications as aspiration pneumonia. The diagnosis is based on anamnesis, clinical examination, radiographs (simple and contrasted) and exclusion of secondary causes. Treatmentis based on nutrition management and resolution of secondary complications. Tthis paper aims to report the unusual case of a five-month-old pinscher dog, with signs of apathy, voracious appetite, regurgitation initiated after weaning and progressive weight loss. Due to the alterations simple and contrasted radiographs were performed, which showed megaesophagus. After excluding secondary causes, the diagnosis of congenital megaesophagus was confirmed. Therefore, food management was carried out to maintain caloric intake, with a pasty diet, five times a day, with the patient kept in a bipedal position during and after feeding. The patient showed a significant improvement in body score and reduced regurgitation.