Radiographic findings of canine dysautonomia in twenty-four dogs

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2001 Mar-Apr;42(2):108-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2001.tb00912.x.

Abstract

Canine dysautonomia is an idiopathic condition resulting in loss of autonomic nervous system function. Recently, the prevalence of dogs diagnosed with dysautonomia in the mid-western United States has increased. In this study the medical records and radiographic findings in 24 dogs with dysautonomia were reviewed. A diagnosis of dysautonomia was made in 17 (71%) of the dogs in this study by postmortem examination, the remaining 7 (29%) dogs were diagnosed pharmacologically. The radiographic findings supportive of dysautonomia include aspiration pneumonia, megaesophagus, or a distended stomach, small bowel, or urinary bladder. In some instances, the disease radiographically mimicked other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, including mechanical obstruction.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / veterinary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Records / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies