Esophageal Candidiasis in Two Dogs With Megaesophagus: A Case Report

Esophageal candidiasis is the most common cause of infectious esophagitis in human patients, but to date, this disease has not been reported in companion animals. A 16-month-old male intact King Shepherd dog and a 2-year-old female spayed German Shepherd dog were presented for evaluation of chronic regurgitation with diffuse megaesophagus identified on thoracic radiographs. In both cases, esophagoscopy disclosed diffuse, white fungal plaques, and brush cytology showed severe esophagitis with numerous yeast structures. Fungal cultures in both cases were positive for Candida albicans. The dogs were treated with fluconazole, which led to improvement or resolution of esophageal candidiasis. Esophagoscopy to evaluate for candidiasis should be considered in dogs with megaesophagus that either fail to improve on medical management or suffer an exacerbation of previously controlled signs.