Megaesophagus in the Dog: A Clinical Survey of 79 Cases

SUMMARY The case records of 79 dogs admitted during an 8-year period to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital and diagnosed as having generalized megaesophagus were reviewed. Owners of the dogs were surveyed to determine the results of treatment. The condition occurred most frequently in young dogs, particularly German Shepherd Dogs and Great Danes. Females were more frequently affected than were males. Regurgitation, enlargement of the cervical portion of the esophagus, and respiratory tract disease were common clinical signs. Of those dogs whose fate was known, 40% were euthanatized because of causes related to megaesophagus, and 34% died of complications (0 to 90 months, median of 1 month, after treatment). Of 13 dogs alive at the time of the survey (10 to 76 months after admission), only 5 had no problem with regurgitation. Treatment by cardiomyotomy was associated with higher mortality than was nonsurgical treatment (forcing the dog to eat from an elevated bowl).