Cat Megaesophagus Symptoms

Megaesophagus is a condition in which cats (and dogs, more commonly) develop an extremely distended esophagus, the tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach. Causes of megaesophagus can vary, but in all cases, the cat's esophagus has lost some or all ability to move food into its digestive system. Treatment options will depend largely on the underlying cause of the megaesophagus and whether it is a congenital or acquired condition.

  1. Symptoms

    • Cats with megaesophagus may often seem to be hungry.

      Regurgitation, or the passive expulsion of undigested food from the throat, is the most common symptom of megaesophagus in cats. Kittens with the condition will even regurgitate milk through the nose. Weakness, dehydration and other signs of malnutrition can appear in young cats, since the food they are eating does not reach their stomachs, but remains trapped in the dilated esophagus. Eventually, this food is liquefied enough to swallow completely. Fever, labored breathing, and a cough will develop in some cats if they develop aspiration pneumonia from accidentally inhaling some of the liquefied food. Severe muscle weakness or pain can indicate that the underlying cause is a neuromuscular problem.

    Causes

    • Your veterinarian can test your cat for possible causes of the condition.

      An obstruction in the cat's digestive tract is a common cause of megaesophagus. Obstructions can result from something the cat has swallowed or from tumors or other constrictions in the digestive tract. Disease or trauma to the cat's brain, spine, or nerves can hinder the function of the esophagus. Heavy metal poisoning is also indicated by neurological problems.

      Persistent right aortic arch is a heart defect in which the arteries for the lungs and the heart develop on around the esophagus, instead of on the left side of the cat's heart. This constricts the esophagus, but the condition is rare.

    Treatment

    • After your cat eats, keep it upright for at least 15 minutes.

      Consult a veterinarian about medications that are available to improve your cat's esophageal motility. Veterinarians have successfully improved motility with Cisapride and Metoclopramide. Other drugs can be used to treat neuromuscular conditions. Feed a cat with megaesophagus many small meals a day, preferably from an elevated surface, to prevent too much food from becoming stuck in the esophagus. Keep the cat upright for at least 15 minutes after each meal. Gravity can help the cat move food into its stomach, especially if you hold the cat on your shoulder. Surgery will correct problems caused by tumors or other obstructions, as well as persistent right aortic arch.