Surgical management of cricopharyngeal achalasia in dogs results in low mortality but moderate incidence of recurrence or persistent clinical signs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe diagnostic and surgical management of cricopharyngeal achalasia (CA) in dogs and to identify patient or management factors that may contribute to postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Signalment, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical information, complications, and outcomes were retrospectively obtained. Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed to identify predictors of unsatisfactory outcomes using sex, breed, age, videofluoroscopic swallow study findings, laterality of surgery, and muscles resected as variables.

RESULTS

26 dogs surgically managed for CA from 2009 through 2025 were included. The most common breeds were Poodle mixes (n = 12) and Golden Retrievers (8). Ventral bilateral surgery resulted in shorter operative times than through 2 lateral incisions. Postoperative complication and mortality rates were 23% and 11.5%, respectively. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common postoperative complication. Unsatisfactory outcomes were reported in 42.3%. Recurrence of clinical signs after initial resolution was noted in 34.6%, and revision surgery was performed in 26.9%. Median time to recurrence was 84 days (range, 7 to 1,320 days). No significant association was identified for age, sex, breed, laterality, videofluoroscopic swallow study findings, or muscles resected.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management of CA resulted in low mortality, moderate incidence of recurrence and revision surgery, and residual symptoms requiring long-term conservative management.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgery is a safe option for management of CA, but owners should be informed of the risks of recurrence and residual clinical signs that may require long-term dietary modifications. Animals with CA are at risk of aspiration pneumonia both pre- and postoperatively and should be monitored accordingly.