Megaoesophagus in the upper cervical oesophagus in a steer: a case report

Abstract

Acquired megaoesophagus was diagnosed in a seven-month-old Holstein steer. Clinical signs included salivation, mild recurrent bloat, dysphagia or regurgitation of ingesta after swallowing and coughing lasting three days. Endoscopic examination revealed mild rhinitis and pharyngitis. Positive contrast radiography of the oesophagus outlined dilatation in the cervical oesophagus without evidence of obstruction. Treatment consisted of feeding management, oral electrolytes, intravenous fluids, and systemic antimicrobial therapy. Clinical signs of megaoesophagus resolved gradually after prolonged antimicrobial therapy and supportive care. However, the steer persisted with episodes of regurgitation and coughing. In conclusion, oesophagitis may have been the principle cause of megaoesophagus in this case but this could not be confirmed because a postmortem examination was not performed.

Keywords

• megaoesophagus
• oesophagitis
• cattle
• bloat
• regurgitation