What Is Esophagitis?
Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the muscular tube that moves food and water from the throat to the stomach. Mild cases cause discomfort; severe cases can scar the esophagus and narrow it, a problem called a stricture.
Common Causes
- Acid reflux under anesthesia: stomach acid can flow back up during surgery, one of the most common triggers
- Chronic vomiting: repeated exposure to stomach acid; see dog vomiting and cat vomiting
- Pills that get stuck: doxycycline and clindamycin tablets given without water are a well-known cause in cats
- Swallowed irritants: caustic chemicals, hot items or foreign objects
- Hiatal hernia: see hiatal hernia
Signs to Watch For
- Regurgitation, where undigested food comes back up without heaving
- Gulping, repeated swallowing or lip licking
- Drooling and reluctance to eat, or crying out when swallowing
- Stretching the neck out while eating
- Weight loss in longer-term cases
Regurgitation vs vomiting
Vomiting involves abdominal heaving and partly digested food. Regurgitation is passive and the food often still looks like it did when eaten. Tell your vet which one you see.
Diagnosis
Your vet will take a history, examine your pet and may use X-rays to rule out a foreign object or an enlarged esophagus such as megaesophagus. Endoscopy, a camera passed down the throat under anesthesia, gives the clearest view of the inflamed lining.
Treatment
- Acid-reducing medicine to protect the lining while it heals
- Coating medicines such as sucralfate
- Soft, small, frequent meals; in severe cases a temporary feeding tube rests the esophagus
- Treating the underlying cause, such as ongoing vomiting
- Balloon dilation if a stricture has formed
Pill tip for cats
After giving a tablet or capsule, follow it with about 5 ml of water from a syringe or a small treat so the pill does not sit in the esophagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is esophagitis the same as megaesophagus?
No. Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining, while megaesophagus is an enlarged esophagus that cannot move food properly. Severe esophagitis can sometimes lead to poor esophageal movement.
How long does esophagitis take to heal?
Mild cases often improve within one to two weeks of treatment. Severe cases can take longer and need follow-up checks for strictures.
Can esophagitis happen after surgery?
Yes. Reflux during anesthesia is a common cause, so tell your vet if your pet regurgitates or struggles to swallow in the days after a procedure.
If your pet regurgitates food or seems to hurt when swallowing, book a vet visit. Find a veterinary clinic near you for an exam.