Megaesophagus secondary to oesophageal fibrosis in a geriatric cat: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Abstract A 15‐year‐old, spayed, female domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of severe vomiting, progressive weight loss and lethargy. The cat had been maintained on a raw food diet for 12 years. Physical examination revealed severe dehydration and weakness. Haematology demonstrated anaemia, leukocytosis with left shift and thrombocytosis. Serum biochemistry showed hyperglobulinaemia and elevated amylase. Thoracic radiography and contrast oesophagography revealed severe megaoesophagus with complete obstruction at the gastro‐oesophageal junction and no gastric filling. Despite fluid therapy and supportive care, the cat remained anorexic and lethargic. Following extensive discussion with the owner regarding poor prognosis, euthanasia was elected. Necropsy confirmed a 3‐cm fibrotic stricture at the thoraco‐abdominal junction with near‐complete luminal obstruction. This case demonstrates the diagnostic value of contrast radiography in identifying oesophageal obstruction in cats and emphasises the role of necropsy examination in confirming pathology when advanced diagnostics are declined.