Dysphagia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Dysphagia in dogs means difficulty or discomfort swallowing, a serious condition affecting many parts of the swallowing process. It can arise from different issues involving nerves, muscles, pain, or physical blockages. Prompt veterinary care is vital to avoid complications such as aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

The Different Types of Dysphagia in Dogs

Dysphagia can be classified based on where the swallowing difficulty occurs:

• Oral dysphagia: Trouble swallowing food held inside the mouth, often linked to jaw or tongue paralysis, dental issues, or muscle wasting.
• Pharyngeal dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing after food enters the pharynx, sometimes showing as head and neck movement to aid swallowing, gagging, or nasal discharge.
• Cricopharyngeal dysphagia: Challenges at the junction where food passes from the pharynx into the oesophagus, causing coughing, gagging, and vomiting of recently swallowed food.

Recognising Symptoms to Watch Out For

Symptoms vary by dysphagia type but often include signs such as:

• Tilting or shaking the head while eating
• Throwing the head back when swallowing
• Food getting trapped in cheek folds, with or without saliva present
• Excessive chewing or gagging during feeding
• Repeated attempts to swallow with coughing or vomiting
• Nasal discharge related to swallowing difficulty
• Weight loss due to poor nutrition absorption

Common Causes of Dysphagia

Dysphagia stems from various underlying problems, including:

• Dental disease and mouth infections causing pain
• Trauma or injury to jaws or throat including luxation (jaw dislocation)
• Inflammation or abscesses in the mouth, pharynx or oesophagus
• Tumours or growths obstructing swallowing passages
• Neurological issues such as damaged cranial nerves or myasthenia gravis affecting muscle control
• Muscle disorders like polymyositis or muscular dystrophy
• Structural defects like cleft palate or unusual tongue tissue formations
• Foreign objects lodged in mouth or oesophagus

How Vets Diagnose Dysphagia

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach:

1. Detailed medical history and symptom onset discussion with the owner
2. Thorough physical examination of mouth, throat and neck
3. Blood tests including chemical profiles, complete blood count, and urinalysis to detect infection or systemic disease
4. Imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans to identify obstructions, inflammation, or tumour growth
5. Endoscopic examination to directly view the throat and oesophagus if needed
6. Specialist tests like muscle biopsies or electromyography for suspected neuromuscular causes

Treatment Options Tailored to Cause

Care depends on the root problem:

• Supportive feeding: Hand feeding by placing small amounts of food at the back of the mouth or holding a dog’s head and neck upright to assist swallowing
• Medical management: Antibiotics for infections, steroids for inflammation, and specific drugs for neuromuscular issues
• Surgical intervention: Removal of foreign bodies or tumours and repair of anatomical defects, only when safe
• Tube feeding: For dogs unable to gain or maintain weight, feeding via stomach tube is sometimes necessary
• Physical rehabilitation and therapy: Can help improve muscle function in some cases

Living with a Dog with Dysphagia

Managing a dog with dysphagia requires careful feeding and monitoring:

• Feeding smaller, more frequent meals helps avoid stress during eating
• Maintaining the dog in an upright position when hand feeding reduces aspiration pneumonia risk
• Regular weight checks ensure nutritional needs are met
• Immediate veterinary attention is required if signs of aspiration or respiratory distress appear
• Understanding and patience are vital, as some cases require ongoing supportive care

While dysphagia itself is not always life-threatening, complications can be severe. Early diagnosis and specialised care from a vet improve outcomes and quality of life.

If you are concerned about your dog's swallowing or notice any symptoms, consult your vet promptly for expert advice and treatment guidance tailored to your dog’s needs.