SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF ACQUIRED MEGAESOPHAGUS IN A DOG SECONDARY TO HYPOTHYROIDISM AND CANINE DISTEMPER

Megaesophagus (ME) is an uncommon condition mostly observed in middle aged to older dogs of large to giant breeds.This report describes a case of acquired ME in a Labrador dog secondary to hypothyroidism and canine distemper.The case was presented to o Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy,, with the major complaint of regurgitation immediately or a few hours after food intake.Clinical examination showed chomping of jaw, temporal twitching and the owner revealed a history of treatment done for canine distemper when animal was three-months old.Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were within normal range except lowered serum T4 (1.24g/dL).Plain and contrast radiography confirmed the presence of severely dilated cervical and thoracic esophagus.Based on the clinico-haemato-biochemical evaluation, the condition was confirmed as acquired ME, secondary to hypothyroidism and canine distemper.The case was successfully managed with oral sildenafil and elevated feeding along with tab (orally), levothyroxine supplementation.Animal showed an uneventful recovery with complete cessation of vomiting.