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Esophagitis (Inflammation of the Esophageal Mucosa) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Chest

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Esophagitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition of the esophageal mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. that can be caused by various factors and leads to a variety of symptoms that can significantly impair the animal’s well-being.

The most important facts at a glance

Esophagitis in dogs is an inflammation of the esophageal mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. that can be caused by various causes such as gastroesophagealGastroesophageal refers to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus. The term is often used in connection with gastroesophageal reflux, in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and Inflammatory conditions. refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort., foreign bodies, or infections. GastroesophagealGastroesophageal refers to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus. The term is often used in connection with gastroesophageal reflux, in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and Inflammatory conditions. refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort., in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)., is a common cause and can be exacerbated by a weakness of the lower esophageal sphincterThe esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle at the top and bottom of the esophagus that controls the passage / transit of food and liquid into the stomach and prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. or certain anesthetics. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, Pain on swallowing, increased salivation, and regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems. of undigested food. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. begins with a medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and clinical examination, followed by an endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. for direct examination of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. X-rays or contrast studies can also be helpful. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition and often includes dietary adjustments to relieve the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. Medications such as antacidsAntacids are medications used to neutralize stomach acid. They are used in dogs and cats to treat gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastritis-like symptoms. and proton pump inhibitors are used to control acid refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort.. Antibiotics or antifungals are used for infections, while surgical procedures may be necessary for foreign bodies. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is usually good with early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment, but chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. cases can lead to complications. Preventive measures include a balanced diet and avoiding irritating substances. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to identify problems early.

Causes

The esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). is a muscular tube that transports food and liquids from the pharynxThe pharynx is the part of the neck behind the oral cavity and nose. It serves as a passage / transit for air and food and plays an important role in breathing and swallowing. to the stomach. It is lined with a sensitive mucous membrane that can react with inflammation when irritated or damaged. This inflammation can be both acute and chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. and has different causes.

A common cause of esophagitis is gastroesophagealGastroesophageal refers to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus. The term is often used in connection with gastroesophageal reflux, in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and Inflammatory conditions. refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort., in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). and damages the mucous membrane. This can be exacerbated by a weakness of the lower esophageal sphincterThe esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle at the top and bottom of the esophagus that controls the passage / transit of food and liquid into the stomach and prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. or by certain anesthetics. Another cause can be foreign bodies that get stuck in the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). and cause mechanical damage.

In addition, infections from bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. or fungi can lead to inflammation of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. Certain medications that irritate the mucous membrane or burns from swallowing corrosive substances are also possible causes. Rarely, allergies or autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. can also play a role.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Apathy / Depression

The symptoms of esophagitis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation and the underlying cause. A common symptom is regurgitationRegurgitation is the reflux of food or liquid from the stomach into the mouth without Vomiting or strong abdominal muscle contractions. It may be a sign of diseases of the esophagus or other gastrointestinal problems., in which undigested food or liquids flow back from the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. This is often painless and occurs immediately after eating.

Other symptoms may include Vomiting, excessive salivation, difficulty on swallowing, loss of appetite, and Weight loss. Some dogs also show signs of Pain in the neck or chest area, which can be expressed through Restlessness or discomfort.

In severe cases, the inflammation can lead to a stricture, i.e., a narrowing of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)., which can further worsen the symptoms. It is important to recognize these symptoms early to prevent them from getting worse.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of esophagitis usually begins with a thorough historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and clinical examination by the veterinarian. The owner is asked about the feeding historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits., the occurrence of symptoms, and possible triggers. A physical examination may reveal signs of pain or discomfort in the neck area.

To confirm the diagnosis, an endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). can be performed. A flexible instrument with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). to directly examine the mucous membrane for inflammation, injuries, or foreign bodies. This examination also allows tissue samples to be taken for a biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions..

X-rays or a contrast study of the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). can also be helpful in identifying structural changes or foreign bodies. Blood tests can be performed to rule out infections or systemic diseases as the cause.

Therapy

The treatment of esophagitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. An important part of the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. is adjusting the feeding. It is recommended to offer small, frequent meals with soft or liquid food to reduce the mechanical stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. on the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)..

AntacidsAntacids are medications used to neutralize stomach acid. They are used in dogs and cats to treat gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastritis-like symptoms. or proton pump inhibitors can be used medicinally to reduce acid production in the stomach and control refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort.. Prokinetics can help speed up gastric emptying and increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincterThe esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle at the top and bottom of the esophagus that controls the passage / transit of food and liquid into the stomach and prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus..

Appropriate antibiotics or antifungals are prescribed for bacterial or fungal infections. In cases where foreign bodies or burns are the cause, surgical removal or endoscopic intervention may be necessary. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. can help relieve the symptoms.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with esophagitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. With early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and adequate treatment, the prognosis is usually good, and many dogs recover completely. However, chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. or untreated cases can lead to complications such as stricturesStrictures are pathological narrowings of tubes or ducts in the body that impede the normal flow of fluids or other substances. In dogs and cats, strictures can occur in the urethra, esophagus, or bile ducts and require medical treatment. or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. inflammation.

Successful treatment often requires long-term adjustment of feeding and possibly permanent drug control of acid refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort.. Regular follow-up with the veterinarian is important to monitor the progress of treatment and make adjustments.

Prevention

To prevent esophagitis, dogs should be fed a balanced and appropriate diet. It is important to choose feeds that are easily digestible and cannot cause mechanical injuries to the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis).. Special feeding bowls can also be used preventively to prevent the swallowing of food.

Avoiding medications or substances that could irritate the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis). is also crucial. In dogs with a known tendency to gastroesophagealGastroesophageal refers to the stomach (gastro-) and the esophagus. The term is often used in connection with gastroesophageal reflux, in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and Inflammatory conditions. refluxReflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which can lead to irritation and inflammatory conditions. In dogs and cats, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) can lead to symptoms such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort., prophylactic treatment with antacidsAntacids are medications used to neutralize stomach acid. They are used in dogs and cats to treat gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastritis-like symptoms. can be considered. Regular veterinary check-ups help to identify and treat potential problems early.

Handling potentially dangerous or corrosive substances safely in the household is important to reduce the risk of burns. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that dogs cannot swallow foreign bodies that could get stuck in the esophagusThe esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions (peristalsis)..