Congenital Esophageal Disorders of Cats

Type

Cause

Breeds Most Often Affected

Congenital megaesophagus

Abnormal nerve development in esophagus; sometimes part of more widespread nerve problems

Siamese

Vascular ring entrapment

Physical constriction of the esophagus by blood vessels

No breed tendencies reported

Cricopharyngeal achalasia

Failure of the cricopharyngeal muscle (in the throat) to relax during swallowing

Rare; no breed tendencies reported