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Clinical Evaluation and Management of Regurgitation in Small Animals
Regurgitation is a passive, involuntary expulsion of undigested food or fluid from the esophagus, distinct from active vomiting. This article explores the diagnostic approach and therapeutic considerations for esophageal dysfunction in dogs and cats.
Clinical summary
- Clinical signs
- Passive expulsion of cylindrical-shaped food, lack of abdominal effort, lack of prodromal signs like salivation or retching.
- Possible causes
- Esophageal obstruction (foreign body, stricture, neoplasia), motility disorders (megaesophagus, myasthenia gravis), or congenital vascular ring anomalies.
- Diagnostic approach
- Thoracic radiography (survey and contrast), esophagoscopy, and fluoroscopy are the primary diagnostic tools.
- Management
- Management of primary etiology, feeding in an upright (Bailey Chair) position, and nutritional optimization.
References
- [1]Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G.. Small Animal Internal Medicine (2019)
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