MEGAESOPHAGUS IN 15 LLAMAS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY (1985-1993)

Megaesophagus was diagnosed in 15 llamas on the basis of survey and co ntrast radiography. Age of onset ranged from 13 months to 9.5 years. C linical signs varied, with salivation being the most common: regurgita tion 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 unknow n etiology, the 3 with histological abnormalities included 1 with vaga l neuropathy and 2 with a degenerative myopathy of esophageal muscles. The causes in most were undetermined.