Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) is a motility disorder of oesophagus preventing the normal transport of food to the stomach due to reduced peristaltic activity and dilation. Affected dogs show regurgitation of food and water, cough and complications such as aspiration pneumonia, excessive salivation, mild to moderate cachexia and pulmonary crackles or wheezes. A normal oesophagus contracts to allow the passage of food into the stomach. In affected animals it doesn’t contract normally causing retention of food and stretching. The frequency of regurgitation may vary from as little as one episode every few days to many episodes per day. The first clinical signs of affected puppies appear in 4 weeks of age.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: MCHR2 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.

Disease control: read more

DNA test sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.