What are the common causes of esophagitis in dogs and cats?

Common causes of esophagitis include foreign body irritation, gastric acid reflux, medication irritation, and bacterial or fungal infection. The exact cause needs to be determined by the vet through imaging or endoscopy and sampling. Please consult your vet.

How does the vet confirm whether it is esophagitis?

Vets typically use X-rays and endoscopy to directly visualise the oesophagus and take samples for tissue or cytological examination, with blood tests or imaging added as needed to assess for complications.

How long does treatment and follow-up for esophagitis take?

Treatment duration varies depending on the cause and severity, ranging from a few days to several weeks. If endoscopy or hospitalisation is required, recovery and follow-up will take longer. Please follow your vet's advice on return visits.

What can I do at home to help the vet make a diagnosis?

It is recommended to record feeding behaviour, weight, and temperature changes, take videos of eating or coughing episodes, and bring any vomit or suspected swallowed object to the clinic for the vet's reference.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Esophagitis in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Endoscopy & Treatment Guide [2025]

Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophageal lining, caused by acid reflux, chemical irritants, or infection. Symptoms include regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and loss of appetite. Treatment includes antacids and mucosal protectants.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap editorial team

Sources: WSAVA, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Rapid breathing or obvious difficulty breathing
•Inability to swallow or persistent heavy drooling
•Continuously rising body temperature with markedly listless energy

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Markedly reduced eating or repeated refusal of food
•Repeated coughing or frequent choking when swallowing
•Tenderness of the neck or chest with behavioral changes

01What symptoms indicate a problem?

Esophagitis in dogs and cats typically presents as abnormal swallowing and respiratory-related symptoms, and may be accompanied by changes in eating behaviour and general malaise.

Reduced food intake or obvious refusal to eat, difficulty swallowing
Gradual weight loss over a short period
Repeated coughing or choking episodes when swallowing
Pain response when the neck or chest is touched
Increased breathing rate or more frequent panting
Fever or noticeably reduced activity level
It is recommended to seek a veterinary consultation early if any abnormality is observed

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Difficulty breathing or obvious respiratory distress
⚠️ Inability to swallow or continuous excessive drooling
⚠️ Persistent high fever or markedly reduced alertness

02How to assess an abnormality at home? Key home observation points and emergency criteria

Recording key information at home can help the vet quickly assess the condition and arrange appropriate tests.

Note each feeding session — whether the pet chokes or has trouble swallowing
Weigh daily and track any trend in weight change
Measure body temperature and record the time and value
Count the number of coughing, vomiting, or choking episodes
Observe whether breathing is laboured, and note any nasal discharge or wheezing
Record changes in alertness and activity level, including when they occur
Bring these records to the clinic for the vet's reference

03How does the vet make a diagnosis? Common diagnostic tests

At the clinic, the vet will primarily use imaging and endoscopy, combined with blood tests to evaluate the overall condition and risk of complications.

X-ray

to assess the chest, oesophageal position, and possible foreign bodies

Endoscopy

direct visualisation of the oesophageal surface and tissue sampling

Tissue biopsy or cytological examination

Bacterial culture or other microbiological tests (if required)

CT scan or other advanced imaging to evaluate complex lesions

Blood tests

to assess infection, inflammation, and overall condition

Referral to a specialist hospital is recommended for complex cases or those requiring endoscopic treatment

04How is esophagitis treated and managed after diagnosis? Medications, dietary adjustments, and care guide

Treatment may include supportive care and management of infection or inflammation, with follow-up appointments needed to monitor oesophageal healing and functional recovery.

If signs of infection are present, the vet will assess whether antibiotics are indicated
Pain relief and supportive treatment to reduce discomfort
Short-term corticosteroids may be considered after the vet evaluates risks and benefits
Hospitalisation for monitoring, fluid therapy, or oxygen support if needed
Follow-up imaging or endoscopy as directed by the vet
Referral to a specialist hospital is recommended if symptoms recur or recovery is slow

05What should you prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help the vet quickly identify the cause

Note the date symptoms started and how they have progressed

Record the type of food offered at each meal, the amount eaten, and any regurgitation

If there is vomit or a suspected swallowed item, bring it for the vet to examine

List all current medications and supplements

Bring records of weight, temperature, and episodes of coughing or vomiting

Consider calling ahead to book a clinic with endoscopy equipment

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.