1
Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Veterinarian, Tehran, Iran.
10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005579
Abstract
Thoracic megaesophagus is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, characterized by the dilation and decreased motility of the esophagus, leading to impaired swallowing and subsequent regurgitation. Due to the regurgitation and aspiration of food into the respiratory tract, aspiration pneumonia is a common complication associated with megaesophagus. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to initiate effective treatment and minimize the risk of complications. The goal of the current study is to diagnose this disorder using contrast radiography. Contrast radiography was performed to evaluate the esophagus following oral administration of a barium sulfate suspension; lateral images were acquired using a mobile x-ray unit. Lateral radiographs with and without oral contrast media show a dilated esophagus with fluid (contrast medium) and air, resulting in a gas‐capped fluid line in the dilated caudal thoracic esophagus. In radiographic projections, the cranial thoracic esophagus is also dilated with radiopaque fluid. There is a mixed alveolar and interstitial pattern in the caudal lung lobes, best seen over the caudal margin of the cardiac silhouette. These radiographic findings are indicative of megaesophagus in the thoracic part in association with aspiration pneumonia. The current case report underscores the significance of considering thoracic megaesophagus as a potential cause of respiratory distress in horses. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach are crucial in managing this condition successfully. Integration of human medicine techniques, such as anti-reflux medications, physical therapy, and dietary modifications, can improve the quality of life for horses suffering from thoracic megaesophagus.
Soroori, S. , Bahmanabadi, A. , Tavakoli, A. and Shateri Amiri, B. (2026). Radiographic Diagnosis of Megaesophagus and Secondary Aspiration Pneumonia in a 6-year-old Friesian Stallion: A Case Report. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20(1), 201-204. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005579
MLA
Soroori, S. , , Bahmanabadi, A. , , Tavakoli, A. , and Shateri Amiri, B. . "Radiographic Diagnosis of Megaesophagus and Secondary Aspiration Pneumonia in a 6-year-old Friesian Stallion: A Case Report", Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20, 1, 2026, 201-204. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005579
HARVARD
Soroori, S., Bahmanabadi, A., Tavakoli, A., Shateri Amiri, B. (2026). 'Radiographic Diagnosis of Megaesophagus and Secondary Aspiration Pneumonia in a 6-year-old Friesian Stallion: A Case Report', Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20(1), pp. 201-204. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005579
CHICAGO
S. Soroori , A. Bahmanabadi , A. Tavakoli and B. Shateri Amiri, "Radiographic Diagnosis of Megaesophagus and Secondary Aspiration Pneumonia in a 6-year-old Friesian Stallion: A Case Report," Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 20 1 (2026): 201-204, doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005579
VANCOUVER
Soroori, S., Bahmanabadi, A., Tavakoli, A., Shateri Amiri, B. Radiographic Diagnosis of Megaesophagus and Secondary Aspiration Pneumonia in a 6-year-old Friesian Stallion: A Case Report. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2026; 20(1): 201-204. doi: 10.32598/ijvm.20.1.1005579
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