Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline esophagitis secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease: clinical signs and radiographic, endoscopic, and histopathological findings.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2003
- Authors:
- Han, Eveline et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at three young male cats that had chronic inflammation of the esophagus, likely caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The cats showed signs like vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and weight loss. Tests using X-rays showed that they had GER, an enlarged esophagus, and reduced movement in that area. An examination with a camera down the throat revealed redness, swelling, ulcers, and problems with the muscle that controls the lower end of the esophagus. Unfortunately, over time, two of the cats' conditions got worse despite treatment.
Abstract
Chronic esophagitis due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is rarely reported in the cat. This paper describes the clinical signs and diagnostic findings, including radiographic, endoscopic, and histopathological abnormalities, in three young, purebred, male cats with esophagitis presumed to be secondary to GER. Clinical signs included regurgitation, dysphagia, and weight loss. Contrast radiography revealed GER, esophageal dilatation, and decreased motility. Endoscopy showed hyperemia, increased vascularity, ulcers, erosion, and an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter. Histopathological lesions included squamous hyperplasia and dysplasia, erosions, ulcers, and an inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. Long-term follow-up demonstrated progression of the disease in two of the cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12617544/