Vet Anne Fawcett: The disease symptoms every dog owner should look out for
THERE’S a condition in dogs that has had an unusual spike in cases. Here are the warning signs.
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YOU may not have heard the word before, but “megaoesophagus” has
been in the news lately due to an unusual spike in cases in some parts of
Australia. Some batches of one brand of food, Advance Dermocare dry
dog food, have been voluntarily withdrawn, but the cause of this spike in
cases remains unknown.
The oesophagus is a muscular tube along which food travels from the
mouth to the stomach. Normally this tube is collapsed, a bit like an empty
sock. But in megaoesphagus, it loses its muscle tone and becomes
distended – like an old sock that has lost its elastic.
Oesophageal disease is usually associated with regurgitation. Unlike
vomiting, an active process which tends to occur after some abdominal
heaving, regurgitation tends to be a more passive process. Regurgitated
fluid may be inhaled or aspirated into the airways, leading to pneumonia.
Affected dogs may only be diagnosed when they are investigated for
coughing. Other signs include difficulty swallowing, being off colour and
loss of appetite.
Some dogs are born with megaoesophagus. It may be triggered by
immune-related disease like myasthenia gravis, hormonal diseases like
hypothyroidism, and toxicities such as lead poisoning or botulism.
Clinically, dogs with something stuck in the oesophagus (chicken
wishbones are common) may have the same signs.
Regurgitation is always a concerning sign and should be investigated by
your veterinarian immediately.
Dr Anne Fawcett is a lecturer in veterinary science at the University of
Sydney and a veterinarian with Sydney Animal Hospitals Inner West.
Read her blog www.smallanimaltalk.com
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