Changes

== Introduction  ==

== Introduction  ==

'''Endoscopy''' allows the operator to visualise the dilated oesophagus directly but this is rarely required to reach a diagnosis.  

'''Endoscopy''' allows the operator to visualise the dilated oesophagus directly but this is rarely required to reach a diagnosis.  

=== Diagnostic Tests  ===

=== Diagnostic Tests  ===

<br>Hematological and biochemical analysis of blood samples may be useful to diagnose several underlying causes of acquired megaoesophagus, such as myositis with an elevated creatine kinase (CK) concentration. Further tests, such as an ACTH stimulation test or T4/ TSH levels, may also be indicated if hypoadrenocortiscm is the suspected cause. Congenital idiopathic megaoesophagus is diagnosed in young animals (often of a predisposed breed) in which all other causes have been discounted.  

<br>Hematological and biochemical analysis of blood samples may be useful to diagnose several underlying causes of acquired megaoesophagus, such as myositis with an elevated creatine kinase (CK) concentration. Further tests, such as an ACTH stimulation test or T4/ TSH levels, may also be indicated if hypoadrenocortiscm is the suspected cause. Congenital idiopathic megaoesophagus is diagnosed in young animals (often of a predisposed breed) in which all other causes have been discounted.  

== Treatment  ==

== Treatment  ==

Sudden death due to '''aspiration pneumonia''' is a risk that may occur at any time.  

Sudden death due to '''aspiration pneumonia''' is a risk that may occur at any time.  

 

 

 

Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science <br>Ettinger, S.J. and Feldman, E. C. (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diseases of the Dog and Cat Volume 2 (Fifth Edition) W.B. Saunders Company <br>Ettinger, S.J, Feldman, E.C. (2005) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (6th edition, volume 2)W.B. Saunders Company

Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009)''' Small Animal Internal Medicine '''(Fourth Edition) ''Mosby Elsevier''

[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Dog]][[Category:Expert Review]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Cattle]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Horse]]

[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Cat]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Dog]][[Category:Expert Review - Small Animal]][[Category:Expert Review - Farm Animal]][[Category:Expert Review - Horse]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Cattle]] [[Category:Oesophageal_Diseases_-_Horse]]