Intraluminal esophageal sphincter manometry in dogs immobilized with xylazine.

The pressure in the pharyngoesophageal and the gastroesophageal sphincters in six normal dogs immobilized with xylazine was studied, using a single side hole catheter continuously perfused with distilled water by a compressed air pressure pump. Mean maximal resting pressures of the pharyngoesophageal and the gastroesophageal sphincters were 6 +/- 1.2 mm of Hg and 11 +/- 2.9 mm of Hg, respectively. The technique and results will enable better definition of esophageal sphincter abnormalities.