Disorder - Megaoesophagus

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Myasthenia gravis; Persistent right aortic arch

Alternative Names
Oesophageal motility disorder; Oesophageal hypomotility

Presenting Signs

Megaoesophagus is a condition in which the oesophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach) is enlarged and does not function properly. It can be congenital, idiopathic (unknown cause) or acquired secondary to another condition. It is believed that congenital megaoesophagus is caused by a lack of nerves to the oesophagus. Secondary acquired megaoesophagus can be caused by a number of disorders including congenital diseases, e.g. congenital myasthenia gravis or vascular ring anomalies. Regurgitation is the most common clinical sign; this is the passive ejection of undigested food from the oesophagus. The regurgitated material may contain undigested food and mucus and is usually not bile stained (yellow). Other symptoms include vomiting, ptyalism (excessive secretion of saliva), halitosis (bad breath) and gurgling noises from the oesophagus. Cats with megaoesophagus are at risk of developing pneumonia from breathing in fluids. Symptoms suggestive of aspiration pneumonia include fever, difficulty breathing and a cough.

Cats at Risk

Young cats

Breeds Affected
Siamese


Treatment

Medical: treatment is usually supportive. Cats with megaoesophagus should be fed frequent small meals in an upright position. The ability of cats with megaoesophagus to swallow foods of different consistencies varies so dietary trial with foods of different consistency helps determine if moist or dry food is more suitable. If the cat is difficult to feed, feeding tubes can be placed into the stomach. Cisapride is a prokinetic drug which increases motility of the gastrointestinal tract and may be useful in managing megaoesophagus.

PubMed References
Megaoesophagus

Contributor
Jennifer Go