Professional paper

Oesophageal foreign body in dogs

Andrija Musulin ; Veterinarski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Andrea Martinović ; Veterinarski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Valentina Plichta ; Veterinarski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Mirta Vučković ; Veterinarski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Hrvatska
Valentina Vnuk ; Veterinarski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Hrvatska

Abstract

A foreign body in the oesophagus is a common problem of the digestive system in dogs. The most common foreign body is bone or its parts. Balls, toys, wooden sticks, and sharp objects such as needles and hooks can also be found. The oesophagus is mostly situated in thoracic cavity, thus hindering clinical examination and diagnosis. In parts, the oesophagus is physiologically narrowed and these sites are predisposed to foreign body retention. A foreign body in the oesophagus usually occurs in small breeds of dogs, and the West Scottish Terrier is mentioned as the most common breed. The most common clinical signs are regurgitation, increased salivation, inappetence and choking. A foreign body in the oesophagus is diagnosed with radiography, contrast oesophagography or endoscopic examination. Sterile, water- soluble iodine solution, or a solution of barium powder is used as a contrast agent in oesophagography. It is advisable to use iodine solutions instead of barium, as barium mash can cause a strong pleural reaction if the oesophagus is perforated. Oesophageal surgery and endoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery of the thoracic part of the oesophagus requires inhalation anaesthesia with artificial ventilation. The foreign body in the oesophagus can be
removed in two ways, endoscopically or surgically - oesophagotomy. Endoscopic removal of the foreign body is possible through the mouth, or the bone can be pushed into the stomach. The benefits of endoscopic removal of a foreign body are avoidance of invasive thoracotomy, faster recovery, lower postoperative pain and lower treatment costs. The surgical approach depends on the site of foreign body retention, so approach may be in the neck area, intercostal thoracotomy, median sternotomy or laparotomy. Prognosis after removal of foreign body is favourable and the percentage of survival after oesophagotomy is about 90%. Patients with no oesophageal perforation have a better prognosis. Removal of a foreign body from the oesophagus can be associated with numerous complications, including infection, regurgitation, pneumonia, oesophagitis, seizures, pneumothorax, inflammation of the mediastinum, formation of brochoesophageal or tracheoesophageal fistulae, diverticula or oesophageal stricture. Patients with larger oesophageal lesions may require the insertion of a gastric tube to allow for oesophageal healing and to allow for adequate intake of food and fluids.

Keywords

foreign body; oesophagus; dog; complications

Hrčak ID:

223824

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/223824

Publication date:

25.3.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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