Esophageal foreign body obstruction caused by a dental chew treat in 31 dogs (2000-2006).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome associated with esophageal obstruction caused by a dental chew treat in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
31 dogs.


METHODS
Medical records were contributed from 19 hospitals via responses to a questionnaire that was developed for veterinarians who managed the cases.


RESULTS
Esophageal obstructions with the dental chew treat occurred primarily in small dogs (26/31 [83.9%]). The most common clinical signs were gagging, regurgitation, vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy. Diagnosis was usually made via survey thoracic radiography. Obstructions were most commonly located in the distal portion of the esophagus (23/31; 74.2%). Esophageal lesions were moderate or severe in 86.7% (26/30) of the dogs. Orad endoscopic removal of the foreign bodies was uncommon (8/31 [25.8%]); most were pushed into the stomach. Thoracotomy was necessary in 6 dogs. Esophageal strictures developed in 6 of 25 (24%) dogs that survived initial hospitalization. Overall mortality rate was 25.8%.


CONCLUSIONS
Esophageal obstructions with a dental chew treat were difficult to remove orally via endoscopy, resulted in moderate or severe esophageal damage, frequently were associated with stricture formation, and were associated with a high mortality rate.
Leib
Michael S
MS
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Sartor
Laura Lee
LL
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D004285:Dogs; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000662:veterinary; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies