However, in many pups or kittens that have had this problem for an extended period, the esophagus is so greatly stretched into a sac (
= megaesophagus) ahead of the stricture that it does not regain its normal function.
Of the remaining 5 dogs, euthanasia was performed because of complications of idiopathic
megaesophagus (n
= 1), arthritis (n
= 2), and hemangiosarcoma (n
= 2).