What is the hallmark clinical sign of megaesophagus?
Regurgitation is considered the hallmark sign of megaesophagus. Also, aspiration pneumonia may develop due to the entrance of food or liquid into the lungs.
Can megaesophagus be passed down?
It has been shown to be hereditary in Wire Haired Fox Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers. Other breeds that may be predisposed to megaesophagus are: German Shepherd.
How old does a dog have to be to have megaesophagus?
Dogs that develop acquired megaesophagus are typically middle aged to older, but this can affect young dogs as well; dogs with MG have a bimodal age distribution (<5yrs and >7yrs), and dogs with dysautonomia have a median age of 18 months.
What causes hypoadrenocorticism in a megaesophagus?
Megaesophagus has also been reported with hypoadrenocorticism, suspected to be due to impaired muscle carbohydrate metabolism and depletion of glycogen stores in muscle.
When does a miniature schnauzer grow out of megaesophagus?
Although overall prognosis for resolution of congenital megaesophagus in puppies is only 20-40%, some puppies will grow out of the condition, especially miniature schnauzers who typically return to normal by 6-12 months of age.
Is there link between megaesophagus and hypothyroidism?
Although hypothyroidism has been cited as a potential cause of megaesophagus, there are no data directly associating the two conditions; however hypothyroidism may occur concurrently with MG.
Are there other breeds that are predisposed to megaesophagus?
Other breeds that may be predisposed to megaesophagus are: There are two types of megaesophagus. Congenital megaesophagus is developmental and causes regurgitation starting at weaning when puppies and kittens begin eating solid food. Acquired megaesophagus occurs later in life, in young adults and middle aged animals.
When do you know if your dog has megaesophagus?
Congenital megaesophagus often presents in puppies as they start to wean and is typically evident by 3 months of age. Dogs with milder disease may not present until 1 year old.
How is the esophagus affected by megaesophageal disease?
Megaesophagus is not a single disease. Instead it is considered a combination disorder in which the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach) dilates (gets larger) and loses motility (its ability to move food into the stomach).
What kind of blood test can be done on megaesophagus?
One blood screen that should be performed in a pet with megaesophagus is a test for myasthenia gravis, a failure of the nerve-muscle interface.