Esophagus

Three types of disorders can affect this soft tissue. The first category is dilated esophagus, which is either generalized and corresponds to a megaesophagus, or localized in diverticulum and corresponds to an esophageal crop. A megaesophagus can be congenital or acquired. The precise origin is not yet known. The esophageal crop indicates that the esophagus passage is blocked. Depending on the age of the animal, this is thought to be due either to a congenital defect, a foreign object or a tumor. The symptoms include difficulty swallowing and regurgitating food. Progressively, the dog loses weight and grows weaker. Radiography is used to diagnose this disorder and among other things, to give a prognosis.

The second type of esophagus disorder is inflammation. The origins of esophagitises are twofold: ingestion of caustic products and reflux of gastric juices. Certain harmful foreign objects may also be responsible. The dog shows signs of hypersalivation and difficulty swallowing and refuses to eat. Esophagitis is a secondary disorder. It is important to determine the cause through adequate testing.

Finally, the esophagus may be perforated by foreign objects, in particular chicken or rabbit bones. Depending on where the perforation is located, the consequences may vary from a simple wound to a lung puncture. In general, the dog shows signs of irritation and pain. He constantly tries to vomit or cough.

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