Oesophagitis refers to [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]] of the oesophagus. This usually involves the '''mucosa''' but can involve the deeper layers of the submucosa and muscularis and it may follow an '''acute''' or '''chronic''' course. The oesophagus is usually protected from physical or chemical damage by mucus (produced by simple tubuloacinar glands along its whole length in dogs and in the rostral portion in cats), by peristaltic waves and by the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters which together prevent ingesta or regurgitated material from remaining in contact with the oesophageal wall. Oesophagitis is a serious condition and, if not treated, it may progress to ulceration, [[Rupture of the Oesophagus|rupture]], [[Oesophageal Stricture|stricture formation]] or derangement of normal motility ([[Megaoesophagus|megaoesophagus]]). The most common causes are: | Oesophagitis refers to [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]] of the oesophagus. This usually involves the '''mucosa''' but can involve the deeper layers of the submucosa and muscularis and it may follow an '''acute''' or '''chronic''' course. The oesophagus is usually protected from physical or chemical damage by mucus (produced by simple tubuloacinar glands along its whole length in dogs and in the rostral portion in cats), by peristaltic waves and by the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters which together prevent ingesta or regurgitated material from remaining in contact with the oesophageal wall. Oesophagitis is a serious condition and, if not treated, it may progress to ulceration, [[Rupture of the Oesophagus|rupture]], [[Oesophageal Stricture|stricture formation]] or derangement of normal motility ([[Megaoesophagus|megaoesophagus]]). The most common causes are: |