Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is characterized by esophageal dilation and a lack of esophageal peristalsis. Congenital megaesophagus is characterized by esophageal dilation from a lack of esophageal peristalsis due to a developmental neuromuscular disorder.
Acquired megaesophagus is commonly associated with myasthenia gravis as the most commonly associated neuromuscular disease.
Other non-neurologic causes of megaesophagus include hypothyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, lead toxicity, dysautonomia, polyneuropathies, botulism or tetanus infection, or idiopathic megaesophagus)
Acquired megaesophagus is commonly associated with myasthenia gravis as the most commonly associated neuromuscular disease.
Other non-neurologic causes of megaesophagus include hypothyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, lead toxicity, dysautonomia, polyneuropathies, botulism or tetanus infection, or idiopathic megaesophagus)
Age of Onset:
Congenital- clinical signs apparent when the puppy is transitioned to solid food
Acquired- any age of dog can be affected (occurs more commonly in middle-aged to older dogs)
Congenital- clinical signs apparent when the puppy is transitioned to solid food
Acquired- any age of dog can be affected (occurs more commonly in middle-aged to older dogs)
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may worsen over time
Clinical signs may worsen over time
Clinical Signs:
Clinical signs listed include other common dysfunctions associated with neurogenic megaesophagus
Posture and Appearance
**Emaciation
**Lethargy
Movement
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Weakness
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Coughing
Dysphagia
Dysphonia
Hypersalivation
**Regurgitation
Respiratory distress (secondary to aspiration)
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy
Other
Nasal discharge
Clinical signs listed include other common dysfunctions associated with neurogenic megaesophagus
Posture and Appearance
**Emaciation
**Lethargy
Movement
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Weakness
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Coughing
Dysphagia
Dysphonia
Hypersalivation
**Regurgitation
Respiratory distress (secondary to aspiration)
Muscle Atrophy
Generalized muscle atrophy
Other
Nasal discharge
Neuromuscular
Unknown
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