Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CPD) is a disorder of the cricopharyngeus, a muscle located in the throat, also known as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). The disorder may occur as a congenital condition or may be seen at any age.
CPD is a type of pharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) which occurs when swallowing is not initiated by presence of the food bolus at the base of the tongue because of the failure of the pharyngeal muscle to function properly. Attempts of swallowing are accompanied by gagging and retching with food returning to the mouth or inhaled or passing down the nose. Occasionally retention of food in the throat occurs which may be regurgitated hours later. Weight loss occurs in such cases because no food enters the esophagus. The condition is called cricopharyngeal achalasia to denote a persistent spasm of the UES that causes symptoms of difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) when the muscle completely fails to relax to allow the passage of the food into the esophagus. Food is retained in the throat causing choking and retching.
Several causes of CPD in dogs have been set forth. The current belief is that there is an underlying congenital neuromuscular defect. The most common signalment of CPD is the development of dysphagia shortly after weaning. Studies suggested a genetic predisposition for this condition in cocker spaniels. In Golden Retrievers the condition is thought to be inherited which means that CPD could be passed from parent to offspring.
Cricopharyngeal achalasia is an uncommon condition in dogs, but it is
considered as a possible diagnosis in cases of difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation of food if eating fast. Radiographic evaluation is essential in diagnosing CPD.
Dogs with CPD generally have difficulty in swallowing, gagging, regurgitation, and nasal discharge. Aspiration pneumonia with an occasional cough may occur as a result. Despite a ravenous appetite, the dog is usually small for her/his age. Diagnosis can be difficult because of the different types of swallowing problems that may be present and because single X-ray plates do not provide adequate diagnostic information.
Treatment. Conventional treatment of cricopharyngeal dysphagia is surgery. The failure rate for dogs undergoing surgical treatment of CPD may be high, particularly if concurrent aspiration pneumonia or malnutrition is not addressed prior to surgery. In case of successful surgery, the dog is able to eat soft food comfortably and less than 24 hours after surgery. In humans with CPD, the diagnosis and treatment is very similar.
Adapted from:
1. Inheritance of cricopharyngeal dysfunction in Golden Retrievers. Davidson AP, Pollard RE, Bannasch DL, Marks SL, Hornof WJ, Famula TR.
2. Cricopharyngeal Myotomy. Neil Bhattacharyya, MD, Associate Professor of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School
3. Cricopharyngeal achalasia in a dog. Renate M. Pfeifer
4. Digestive Disease in the Dog and Cat (Library Vet Practice). James W. Simpson, Roderick W. Else
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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