MEGAESOPHAGUS IN 9 FERRETS

Megaesophagus was diagnosed in 9 adult ferrets. Clinical history of th e ferrets included regurgitation, difficulty in swallowing, partial an orexia, and lethargy. Cachexia, dehydration, weakness, and ptyalism we re observed on physical examination. Radiography revealed the esophagu s of each ferret to be dilated in the thoracic and cervical regions. O f 4 ferrets that had lymphocytopenia, 2 had concurrent leukopenia. Ser um biochemical analysis revealed high activity of alanine transaminase (4 ferrets) and aspartate transaminase (3), and hypoglycemia (4). Tre atment included administration of fluid, antibiotics, and agents direc ted against possible primary causes of megaesophagus. Treatments were ineffective, and all of the ferrets died or were euthanatized. All 6 f errets that were submitted for necropsy had bronchopneumonia, hepatic lipidosis, mild esophagitis, and gastritis. The etiopathogenesis of me gaesophagus in the ferrets was not determined.