## Overview Megaesophagus is dilation and loss of motility of the esophagus. It may be congenital or acquired after severe choke, stricture, grass sickness, or other neuromuscular disease. Horses regurgitate feed and water through the nose, lose weight, and are at high risk for aspiration pneumonia. ## Causes Congenital neuromuscular abnormality or acquired damage from chronic obstruction or autonomic dysfunction. ## Diagnosis Contrast radiographs showing a dilated esophagus, endoscopy, and clinical signs of chronic regurgitation. ## Treatment No cure for most cases. Management includes feeding small, soft meals from an elevated position and treating aspiration pneumonia. Prognosis is poor for long-term athletic use. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor. Aspiration pneumonia is the main life-limiting complication. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of choke to reduce the risk of secondary dilation.
chronic dysphagia; nasal return of food and water; weight loss; recurrent aspiration pneumonia; dilated esophagus on contrast radiographs
## Overview Megaesophagus is dilation and loss of motility of the esophagus. It may be congenital or acquired after severe choke, stricture, grass sickness, or other neuromuscular disease. Horses regurgitate feed and water through the nose, lose weight, and are at high risk for aspiration pneumonia. ## Causes Congenital neuromuscular abnormality or acquired damage from chronic obstruction or autonomic dysfunction. ## Diagnosis Contrast radiographs showing a dilated esophagus, endoscopy, and clinical signs of chronic regurgitation. ## Treatment No cure for most cases. Management includes feeding small, soft meals from an elevated position and treating aspiration pneumonia. Prognosis is poor for long-term athletic use. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor. Aspiration pneumonia is the main life-limiting complication. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of choke to reduce the risk of secondary dilation.
chronic dysphagia; nasal return of food and water; weight loss; recurrent aspiration pneumonia; dilated esophagus on contrast radiographs