CLINICAL, RADIOGRAPHIC AND PATHOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF MEGAESOPHAGUS IN SHEEP – CASE REPORT

Resumo

The present report describes the case of a male adult Dorper sheep with abdominal distention. The animal had already presented several episodes of bloat. Ruminocentesis was performed and there was a lot of gas output. An attempt was made to pass an orogastric tube up to the rumen in order to remove the content, but there was no progression. Contrast radiograph revealed esophageal dilation, accumulation of contrast in the esophageal lumen and ventral displacement of the trachea, suggesting megaesophagus. The patient still had signs of pneumonia resulting from aspiration of regurgitated content. The animal was submitted to euthanasia and in necropsy, there was enlargement of esophageal diameter and food content inside. Microscopic examination showed edema at lamina propria and submucosa of the esophagus. Megaesophagus diagnosis was based on clinical signs associated with findings from contrast radiograph and post-mortem exam.