What is Megapesophagus

Megaesophagus is a dilation of the ordophagus or gullet. This can be determined on watching the dog, X-rays, or contrast radiography with barium.  

What is the cause?

Megaesophagus can be caused by congenital abnormalities and may or may not be hereditary, neuromuscular disorders, obstruction of the oesophagus like foreign bodies, vascular rings, cancer, toxic causes like lead, and others like hypothyroidism, Addison's disease.  Persistent right aortic arch is a common congenital vascular ring abnormality which occurs at the base of the heart, and has been confirmed to be inherited in German Shepherd Dogs.  

Achalasia is not now thought to be a common cause of idiopathic megaesophagus in animals and as yet unidentified disorders of the neuromuscular system are thought to be the most likely cause.  This is based upon the observation that loss of motor function is definitely present.  

Secondary causes of megaesophagus include any condition which can interfere with neuromuscular function like myositis, myopathy, neuromuscular transmission, neuropathies. 

What breeds