Veterinary Swallowing Studies in Scottsdale, AZ
A swallowing study evaluates how food and liquid move from your pet’s mouth to the stomach. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists use fluoroscopy, a real-time moving x-ray, to watch each phase of swallowing as it happens. Swallowing studies help diagnose strictures, obstructions, tumors, and motility disorders such as megaesophagus that cannot be seen on standard x-rays.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Swallowing Study
Our internal medicine specialists may recommend a swallowing study for pets with:
- Regurgitation of undigested food or water
- Gagging, coughing, or repeated swallowing attempts while eating
- Drooling, food falling from the mouth, or difficulty picking up food
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Recurrent aspiration pneumonia
- Suspected megaesophagus or esophageal stricture
Because regurgitation is often mistaken for vomiting, a swallowing study helps clarify the problem and guides further testing.
How a Swallowing Study Works
During the study, your pet eats food or liquid mixed with a special contrast dye that shows up clearly on fluoroscopy. Our specialist watches in real time as the food moves through the mouth, throat, and esophagus into the stomach. This video shows a normal swallowing study, in which food moves smoothly and quickly. In pets with swallowing disorders, food may pause, pool, move backward, or enter the airway, revealing exactly where and how the problem occurs.
What Swallowing Studies Can Diagnose
- Megaesophagus and esophageal motility disorders
- Esophageal strictures from prior injury or reflux
- Obstructions, foreign bodies, and masses
- Throat (pharyngeal) and upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction
- Hiatal hernias and gastroesophageal reflux
Next Steps After a Swallowing Study
Depending on the findings, our specialists may recommend endoscopy to examine the esophagus directly, foreign object removal, balloon dilation of strictures, thoracic radiography to check for aspiration pneumonia, or bloodwork for underlying causes. Some congenital abnormalities may require surgery by our surgical team, as outlined on our chest surgical conditions and head and neck surgical conditions pages.
What to Expect
Swallowing studies are usually performed without general anesthesia, since your pet needs to eat and swallow normally. Most pets tolerate the study well, and it typically takes less than an hour. Your pet may need to fast beforehand to ensure they are interested in eating. Explore all veterinary services, the conditions we treat, or read what to expect at your visit.
Swallowing Study FAQs
Does my pet need anesthesia for a swallowing study?
No. Pets need to be awake and able to eat normally, so anesthesia is not used.
What is fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a real-time moving x-ray that allows our specialists to watch food and liquid travel through the digestive tract.
Is the contrast dye safe?
Yes. The contrast material is safe and passes through the digestive tract normally.
Should my pet fast before the study?
Fasting is often recommended so your pet is hungry and willing to eat during the study.
How long does a swallowing study take?
Most studies take less than an hour.
Can a swallowing study diagnose megaesophagus?
Yes. It is one of the most useful tools for confirming megaesophagus and assessing how well the esophagus moves food.
Can cats have swallowing studies?
Yes. Cats with swallowing or regurgitation problems can be evaluated the same way.
Get Answers for Your Pet’s Swallowing Problems
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to schedule a swallowing study consultation.