Mission

Neurology Networks tries to offer broad exposure to various topics that may be presented on the veterinary neurology board exam.

Error message

Deprecated function: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in menu_set_active_trail() (line 2394 of /home/neurolog/public_html/includes/menu.inc).

Radiographs 2

A.  The radiograph below is taken from a 6yr female spayed laborador with a history of regurgitation over the last two weeks.  Interpret this radiograph:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A. This is a lateral thoracic radiograph of a dog.  There is esophageal dilation with air. 

 

Q. What are differentials for esophageal dilation on radiographs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.  Esophageal dilation can be separated into obstructive diseases and causes of esophageal weakness. 

Obstruction:

Vascular ring anomaly (persistent 4th right aortic arch)

Foreign object

Cicatrix/ stricture

Neoplasia

Achalasia of the lower esophageal sphincter

Gastroesophageal intussusception

 

Esophageal Weakness:

Idiopathic megaesophagus (congenital or acquired)

Myasthenia (generalized or focal esophageal)

Hypoadrenocorticism

Hypothyroidism

Esophagitis

Spirocerca lupi

Myopathies/ neuropathies

Lead poisoning

Dysautonomia

CNS lesions (rare)

 

Q. What is one of the most-serious complications with megaesophagus?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.  Dogs with megaesophagus and other causes of dysphagia are at increased risk for aspiration pneumonia.