inflammation_of_the_esophagus-wiley.docVIP

Customer Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip code Phone number, Alt. phone number, Fax number, e-mail address, web site Inflammation of the Esophagus Esophagitis Basics OVERVIEW Inflammation of the esophagus—typically involves the tubular area of the esophagus itself known as the “esophageal body” and the muscular area between the stomach and esophagus known as the “gastroesophageal sphincter” ; occasionally the muscular area between the throat or pharynx and the esophagus known as the “cricopharyngeal sphincter” may be involved Varies from mild inflammation of the superficial lining known as “mucosa” of the esophagus to severe ulceration, involving underlying layers including the muscle known as “submucosa” [that is, “layer under the mucosa”] and “muscularis” [that is, “muscle”] Signalment/Description of Pet Species Dogs Cats Mean Age and Range Any age; young pets with congenital present at birth esophageal hiatal hernia in which a portion of the stomach enters the chest through the area where the esophagus normally passes through the diaphragm may be at higher risk for inflammation known as “reflux esophagitis” secondary to backward or reverse flow of stomach contents into the esophagus Older pets at great risk of developing backward or reverse flow of stomach contents into the esophagus known as “gastroesophageal reflux” during anesthesia and then possibly inflammation of the esophagus known as “esophagitis” Signs/Observed Changes in the Pet Regurgitation return of food or other contents from the esophagus or stomach back up through the mouth Drooling or excessive salivation Howling, crying, or yelping during swallowing when the pet has active inflammation of the esophagus esophagitis Extension of the head and neck during swallowing Difficulty swallowing known as “dysphagia” Decreased appetite Weight loss Coughing and/or discharge from the nose in pets that have aspiration pneumonia inflammation of the lungs, caused by accidenta