Disorder - Achalasia of the oesophagus, congenital

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Megaoesophagus

Alternative Names
Oesophageal achalasia, achalasia cardiae, cardiospasm, dyssynergia esophagus, and esophageal aperistalsis, oesphageal dystonia, simple ectasia of the oesophagus and dilochoesophagus

Presenting Signs

The oesophagus of affected animals has an impaired ability to move food down into the stomach. These animals have difficulty swallowing both liquids and solids. This is often noticed when, after eating, affected cats regurgitate undigested food mixed with mucus and saliva. They lose weight because they are not absorbing nutrients from the food they eat, as it does not reach the stomach and intestines. The lower oesophageal sphincter (leading to the stomach) does not open properly to let food down. As the disease progresses the oesophagus becomes dilated and can lead to other severe disease processes such as pneumonia from breathing in food and liquids. Symptoms normally become apparent after weaning.

Cats at Risk

Familial disorder

Treatment

Surgical: dilating the oesophagus with a balloon or cutting the muscle layer in the oesophagus. Medical: using muscle relaxants to relax the sphincter to allow food to enter the stomach

PubMed References
Achalasia of the oesophagus, congenital

Contributor
Keely Wilson