Symptoms of a Dog with Megaesophagus

Symptoms of a Dog with Megaesophagus

🐾 Canine Megaesophagus: Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations

According to veterinary sources, the symptoms of megaesophagus in dogs can vary, but there are several common signs that can help you detect this condition early. Here we explain the most common symptoms of megaesophagus in dogs:

📌 Regurgitation

This is the most characteristic symptom. It is the passive expulsion of undigested food from the esophagus, which often occurs shortly after eating or drinking. It should not be confused with vomiting, as it does not involve stomach strain, and the food usually comes out as it went in. It may be accompanied by white foam or liquid.

📌 Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)

The dog may have trouble swallowing food or water and may make exaggerated efforts to swallow, showing restlessness or discomfort while doing so.

📌 Weight Loss and Malnutrition

Because food isn't reaching the stomach properly, the dog loses weight rapidly and may exhibit constant hunger or food anxiety.

📌 Coughing and Choking

After eating or drinking, some dogs cough or gag. This can be because food is trapped in the esophagus or, worse, aspirated into the lungs, creating a real risk of pneumonia.

📌 Increased Salivation (Sialorrhea)

Food accumulation or the effort required to swallow can cause excessive salivation.

📌 Respiratory Problems

In severe cases, food aspiration can lead to aspiration pneumonia, which manifests as difficulty breathing and can be very serious if not detected early.

📌 Behavioral Changes

Loss of appetite, lethargy, or even depression may be observed, as eating can cause the animal pain or discomfort.

📌 Halitosis (Bad Breath)

When food gets stuck in the esophagus and begins to ferment, it can cause persistent bad breath in the dog.

📌 Peculiar Sounds When Trying to Clear the Throat

Some dogs make a choppy or strange sound, as if trying to dislodge something from their throat.

🐶 When Do These Symptoms Usually Appear?

• In congenital cases, symptoms may appear in puppies during weaning.

• In acquired cases, they may develop later in life.

• In many cases, the disease progresses over time if it is not diagnosed and treated.

• It is common for it to initially be mistaken for a gastrointestinal problem if chronic regurgitation is not recognized as a key sign.