Perfuração esofágica associada a corpo estranho em cão / Esophageal perforation associated with a foreign body in a dog

ABSTRACT

Background: The esophagus is a tubular organ that connects the laryngopharynx to the stomach. This organ has three pointsof narrowing the thoracic inlet, the base of the heart, and the diaphragmatic hiatus; these are common sites of obstructionby foreign bodies. Clinical signs of esophageal obstructions include sialorrhea, dysphagia, regurgitation, dehydration, anddepression. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, anamnesis, and complementary imaging. The treatment requiresthe removal of the foreign body. Herein, we report a case of esophageal perforation associated with a foreign body in aSpitz German treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco.Case A 2-year-old female German Spitz was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (HV-UFRPE); she presented with recurrent drooling and emesis. According to the instructor, approximatelyfive days after a party at the residence, the animal began to exhibit clinical signs. She was examined at a veterinary clinic,where she remained hospitalized for three days, without clinical improvement. She was then taken to the HV-UFRPE forfurther assessment. Upon physical examination, sialorrhea, hypercormed conjunctival mucosa, hyperthermia (41ºC), andregurgitation were observed. Imaging tests (simple radiography and ultrasonography), blood count, and a serum biochemistry panel (urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin) were requested.The radiographic examination revealed a pulmonary interstitial pattern and pleural effusion. Analysis of the thoracic fluidyielded results consistent with a septic exudate. No significant changes were observed on total abdominal ultrasonography.The hemogram showed thrombocytosis, leukocytosis with absolute neutrophilia, as well as relative and absolute monocytosis. Esophagoscopy was offered...