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Radiographic evaluation of esophageal function in Chinese Shar Pei pups
R Stickle1, G Sparschu, N Love
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1314.
Summary
Chinese Shar Pei pups often show abnormal esophageal motility and tone. Esophageal redundancy can hinder motility improvement with age, while hiatal hernias and megaesophagus are seen in symptomatic pups.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Esophageal motility disorders can affect dogs, impacting their well-being.
- Chinese Shar Pei dogs may have breed-specific predispositions to gastrointestinal issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the esophageal motility and anatomy in clinically normal Chinese Shar Pei pups.
- To identify potential age-related changes in esophageal function in this breed.
- To characterize esophageal abnormalities in Chinese Shar Pei pups presenting with regurgitation or vomiting.
Main Methods:
- Liquid barium esophagography was performed on 29 clinically normal Chinese Shar Pei pups.
- Fluoroscopic observation was conducted periodically from 3 to at least 18 months of age.
- A separate group of 9 symptomatic pups underwent esophagography to assess specific conditions.
Main Results:
- In normal pups, 69% exhibited slow secondary peristaltic waves, 48% had poor esophageal tone/motility, and 38% showed esophageal redundancy.
- Esophageal motility appeared to improve with age in pups without redundancy.
- Among symptomatic pups, hiatal hernias were found in 5, and megaesophagus in 2.
Conclusions:
- Clinically normal Chinese Shar Pei pups frequently display esophageal motility and tone abnormalities.
- Esophageal redundancy may impede the natural improvement of motility with age.
- Hiatal hernia and megaesophagus are significant findings in symptomatic Shar Pei pups, requiring further investigation.