Megaesophagus and Aspiration Pneumonia

Allison Zwingenberger

University of California, Davis

Publication Date: 2011-10-14

History

10 year old male neutered Terrier mix with a choking episode two days ago.

3 images

   
   

Findings

There is an interstitial to alveolar pattern in the right middle lung lobe with a lobar sign, best seen on the d/v projection. This region is also visible superimposed over the cardiac silhouette on the left lateral projection. The esophagus is gas dilated throughout its length. The liver is mildly enlarged with rounded borders, and there is mineral opacity material within the gallbladder.

Diagnosis

Discussion

I highly recommend that you take 3-view thorax studies on a routine basis. There is a dramatic difference between the appearance of the left and right lateral projections (the pneumonia is only visible on the left lateral). In cases of less severe pneumonia which is more ventral, it may not be apparent on the d/v or v/d projections. This is also very important for metastasis checks in animals with cancer.