TitleMegaesophagus in 15 llamas: a retrospective study (1985-1993).
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1995
AuthorsWatrous, BJ, Pearson, EG, Smith, BB, Snyder, SP, Blythe, LL, Riebold, TW, Hedstrom, OR
JournalJournal of veterinary internal medicine / American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Volume9
Issue2
Pagination92-9
Date Published1995 Mar-Apr
KeywordsRetrospective Studies
Abstract

Megaesophagus was diagnosed in 15 llamas on the basis of survey and contrast radiography. Age of onset ranged from 13 months to 9.5 years. Clinical signs varied, with salivation being the most common; regurgitation or dysphagia were noted in only 33% of the cases. Duration of the disorder ranged from 1 week to 5 years. Organophosphate toxicity was the cause of megaesophagus in 1 llama. While most cases were of unknown etiology, the 3 with histological abnormalities included 1 with vagal neuropathy and 2 with a degenerative myopathy of esophageal muscles. The causes in most were undetermined.