Most common esophageal diseases in dogs

Sa？etak The esophagus is a tubular organ that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. Its main function being food transfer from the mouth to the stomach. Canine esophageal diseases are less common in relation to other digestive diseases. They occur as secondary illnesses or as an independent disease. The most common esophageal diseases are esophagitis, gastro-esophageal reflux, foreign body obstruction, esophageal strictures, megaesophagus, hiatal hernias, gastro- esophageal intussusception and vascular ring anomalies. Clinical signs that manifest these disorders include regurgitation, painful and difficult swallowing, increased snuff, vomiting, choking, coughing, consequent aspiration of the contents. The golden standard for diagnosing all diseases is endoscopic examination. Along with it, radiography, ultrasonography and videofluoroscopic scanning are used. The success of the treatment depends on the pathogenesis of disease, timely diagnosis, proper and customized medical therapies