Use of electromyography in a cow with esophageal paralysis

Electromyography of the esophageal musculature of a cow that had been regurgitating and losing weight after correction of an esophageal obstruction was suggestive of unilateral denervation. Radiography before and after oral administration of barium sulfate revealed a dilated terminal portion of the thoracic esophagus, suggestive of a focal motility problem. Electromyography was performed on the esophageal musculature by positioning the electrode through the rumen fistula and into the thoracic esophagus and by positioning the electrode percutaneously with the aid of a tube placed in the cervical esophagus. Numerous fibrillation potentials and sharp epsilon-positive waves were detected in the muscles of the left side of the distal portions of the cervical and thoracic esophagus. During hospitalization, the cow was given alfalfa pellets, ground corn, and sodium bicarbonate through the rumen fistula 3 times each day for several weeks to maintain body weight.