Presentation
Choking episode two days ago. Decreased appetite and soft, non-productive cough.
Patient Data
There is an interstitial to alveolar pattern in the right middle lung lobe with a lobar sign, best seen on the d/v projection. This region is also visible superimposed over the cardiac silhouette on the left lateral projection. The esophagus is gas dilated throughout its length. The liver is mildly enlarged with rounded borders, and there is mineral opacity material within the gallbladder.
Case Discussion
Megaesophagus with secondary aspiration pneumonia.
Taking 3-view thorax studies on a routine basis is highly recommended. There is a dramatic difference between the appearance of the left and right lateral projections (the pneumonia is only visible on the left lateral). In cases of less severe pneumonia which is more ventral, it may not be apparent on the d/v or v/d projections. This is also very important for metastasis checks in animals with cancer.
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