Page 621 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

29 – THE CAT WITH SIGNS OF REGURGITATION 613

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Diseases causing signs of regurgitation
ANOMALY

● Vascular ring anomalies (persistent right aortic arch – PRAA) (p 623)
Vascular ring anomalies cause regurgitation soon after the kitten is weaned onto solid food.
● Esophageal diverticular structures (p 624)
These may be clinically silent or associated with regurgitation, painful swallowing, lethargy and
decreased appetite, depending on the size of the diverticular structure.
MECHANICAL
● Esophageal foreign body** (p 616)
Foreign bodies may cause gagging, retching or regurgitation, depending on what they are, how
long they have been present in the esophagus, and whether or not they are caustic.
● Esophageal stricture* (p 618)
This is a complication of esophagitis that results in regurgitation due to narrowing or nearly com-
plete obstruction of the esophageal lumen.
● Eating too fast (food gulping) (p 628)
Regurgitation of undigested food may be caused by eating too fast or food gulping.
● Hiatal hernia (gastroesophageal intussusception) (p 625)
This is a rare disorder associated with intermittent regurgitation or vomiting due to herniation of
the stomach through the esophageal hiatus.
● Esophageal fistula (p 625)
This is an abnormal communication between the esophagus and respiratory system that usually
results from foreign body penetration or a ruptured diverticulum. Clinical signs will include regur-
gitation as well as respiratory signs (e.g. coughing, dyspnea, etc.).
IDIOPATHIC
● Esophageal hypomotility/idiopathic megaesophagus (acquired or congenital)* (p 621)
Regurgitation may or may not be associated with eating. Aspiration pneumonia is a common com-
plication resulting from the frequent regurgitation.
● Dysautonomia (p 627)
Regurgitation occurs due to the development of megaesophagus secondary to abnormal function-
ing of the autonomic nervous system. This rare disorder is also associated with abnormal colonic
and ocular muscle functions, among other things.
IMMUNOLOGIC

● Myasthenia gravis (acquired or congenital)* (p 622)
Myasthenia gravis can be acquired or congenital and results in megaesophagus (regurgitation) sec-
ondary to the presence of antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor in the neuro-muscular junction,
with the end result being smooth muscle dysfunction.

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