Video Notes – Otology, Megaesophagus, GDV & Related GI Conditions (Vet Medicine)

Vocabulary flashcards covering otology, megaesophagus, MG, thymic pathology, and GDV-related concepts from the notes.

Otitis externa

Inflammation/infection of the external ear canal; diagnosed by otoscopy; signs include head shaking, ear itching, disorientation, circling, and head tilt toward the affected side.

Aural hematoma

Collection of blood in the ear pinna; treated by drainage with mattress sutures parallel to blood vessels to avoid occluding vessels.

Familial hyperlipidemia/hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers

Genetic lipid disorder in this breed; predisposes to seizures, pancreatitis, acute blindness, vomiting, corneal opacities; managed with a low-fat diet.

Megaesophagus

Esophageal dilation with reduced peristalsis; causes include myasthenia gravis, persistent right 4th aortic arch, thymomas, congenital issues, hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, esophagitis, lupus, organophosphate toxicity, and dysautonomia; signs include regurgitation and regurgitated foam.

Myasthenia gravis (MG)

Autoimmune disease with antibodies against acetylcholine receptors; often associated with megaesophagus; diagnosed by anti-ACh receptor antibodies or edrophonium test; treated with pyridostigmine and corticosteroids.

Thymoma

Tumor of the thymus; commonly associated with myasthenia gravis and megaesophagus in dogs; diagnosed via FNA or imaging.

Persistent right fourth aortic arch

Congenital vascular anomaly causing abnormal aortic arch; can contribute to megaesophagus through esophageal compression.

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's)

Endocrine disorder that can predispose to megaesophagus; management targets the underlying cause.

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine deficiency that can contribute to megaesophagus and other systemic signs.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus; can cause regurgitation and may lead to secondary megaesophagus.

Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies

Autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors; positive in myasthenia gravis.

Edrophonium (Tensilon) test

Short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to diagnose MG; dramatic improvement after administration supports MG.

Pyridostigmine

Long-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat MG; improves neuromuscular transmission.

Corticosteroids

Immunosuppressive therapy used to reduce immune attack on acetylcholine receptors in MG.

Regurgitation

Passive expulsion of esophageal contents without active vomiting; common in megaesophagus.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Acute, life-threatening rotation of the stomach (often 180–360 degrees); signs include retching, hypersalivation, abdominal distention, tachycardia, prolonged CRT, pale mucous membranes, weak pulses.

High-risk breeds for GDV

Large deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Saint Bernards that are predisposed to GDV.

Counter-clockwise rotation (GDV view)

Direction the stomach twists when viewed cranial-to-caudal; GDV rotates counter-clockwise.

Right lateral radiographic sign for GDV

On right lateral view, gas may fill the left displaced pylorus indicating volvulus.

Trocarization

Decompression technique using a trocar to release gas from the stomach in GDV management.

Gastropexy (circumcostal vs incisional)

Surgical fixation of the stomach to prevent GDV; circumcostal (belt-loop around a rib) is commonly avoided due to future surgery risks, incisional gastropexy is often preferred.