Causes
Congenital (puppies) or acquired (neuromuscular problems, myasthenia, hypothyroidism, idiopathic). Sometimes the cause is not identified.
Diagnosis
X-ray (sometimes with contrast) showing the dilated oesophagus. The vet looks for the underlying cause.
Treatment
Feeding in an upright position (the animal eats standing upright and stays that way for a while so the food goes down by gravity), food of adapted texture, and treating the cause if there is one. Aspiration pneumonia is the most serious complication.
Prevention
Not preventable. Upright feeding and monitoring breathing help prevent pneumonia.
