Diagnosis and treatment of gastro-oesophageal junction abnormalities in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is a benefit of using pre- and postoperative antacid treatment in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. To assess the use of an obstruction manoeuvre during endoscopy for the detection of dynamic gastro-oesophageal junction abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six client-owned brachycephalic dogs were prospectively included in a randomised trial. Antacid treatment was randomly prescribed in 18 dogs before and after surgery while the other 18 dogs did not receive any gastrointestinal medical treatment. At presentation, at the time of surgery and at recheck, digestive clinical signs and gastro-oesophageal junction abnormalities were assessed using specific scores. Gastro-oesophageal junction abnormalities were assessed during endoscopy in standard conditions as well as during endotracheal tube obstruction. This manoeuvre was also applied in an unrelated control group. RESULTS: The results suggest a beneficial effect of antacid treatment on the improvement of digestive clinical signs and lesions in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome undergoing surgery. At postsurgical control 83% of dogs had a digestive clinical score ≤1 in the treated group in contrast to 44% in the non-treated group and 39% of dogs had a gastro-oesophageal abnormalities score (during obstruction manoeuvre) ≤1 in the treated group in contrast to 16.7% in the non-treated group. The use of the obstruction manoeuvre during endoscopic assessment in a control group revealed that gastro-oesophageal junction movements are negligible in healthy animals. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The addition of antacid treatment during the pre- and postoperative period for brachycephalic dogs undergoing surgery may result in a faster and greater improvement in treated dogs. The obstruction manoeuvre is an interesting technique to improve detection of gastro-oesophageal junction abnormalities.

Diffuse leiomyomatosis with circumferential thickening of the gastrointestinal wall, resembling human diffuse leiomyomatosis, in a young miniature dachshund.

Leiomyoma is the most common mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Leiomyomas usually have a single or multinodular mass of various sizes, and affected animals can develop alimentary symptoms depending on the location and size. A 3-year old female miniature dachshund died after a history of refractory rectal prolapse, esophagectasis and aspiration pneumonia. At necropsy, the GI wall at the gastroesophageal and anorectal junctions was circumferentially thickened. Histologically, both GI lesions were composed of bundles of well-differentiated smooth muscles without mass formation or invasive growth. The neoplastic cells had little cellular atypia and low proliferative activity, and were positive for α-smooth muscle actin. The lesions were diagnosed as diffuse leiomyomatosis with circumferential thickening of the GI wall and has not been described in the veterinary literature.

The pathogenesis of paraesophageal empyema in dogs and constancy of radiographic and computed tomography signs are linked to involvement of the mediastinal serous cavity.

The mediastinal serous cavity is a normal anatomic space in the caudal mediastinum. Aims of this anatomic and case series study were to describe the signs of pathologic expansion of the mediastinal serous cavity observed during computed tomography (CT), review the underlying anatomy, perform a literature review, and evaluate the medical records of several dogs with mediastinal serous cavity empyema (paraesophageal empyema). The mesothelial lined mediastinal serous cavity is a cranial extension of the omental bursa, separated from the peritoneal cavity by the diaphragm, in the dorsal part of the caudal mediastinum, to the right of the esophagus, between the heart base and diaphragm. In five adult, large-breed dogs with surgically and histologically confirmed paraesophageal empyema, macroscopic plant material was found at surgery in two dogs, adherence to adjacent lung was present in three different dogs, accessory lobectomy was performed in two dogs with subacute-chronic pyogranulomatous pneumonia, and one dog had concurrent pyothorax and mediastinitis, but none had esophageal abnormalities. This study expands our understanding of the pathogenesis and basis for the imaging appearance of paraesophageal empyema in dogs by clarifying the underlying anatomic structures that direct development of this condition. The term empyema accurately describes this condition because the purulent material accumulates within an existing body cavity. The study also provides initial evidence that the development of paraesophageal empyema might be due to local extension of lung disease, such as foreign body migration or pneumonia. Computed tomography was helpful for diagnosis, assessing size, and determining the spread of disease.

Risk Factors for Death in Dogs Treated for Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 222 Cases (1998-2017).

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist describing risk factors for death, and long-term outcomes in dogs with esophageal foreign body (EFB) obstruction. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short- and long-term outcomes, and analyze risk factors for death in dogs with EFB obstruction. We hypothesized duration of entrapment and treatment type would affect outcome. ANIMALS: A total of 222 dogs were treated for EFB obstruction at an emergency and referral hospital between March 1998 and March 2017. METHODS: Medical records for dogs with EFB were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Foreign material most frequently was osseous (180/222 [81%]), with distal esophagus the most common location (110/222 [49.5%]). Duration of clinical signs was not associated with risk of death (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.99-1.17; P = 0.2). Entrapment was treated by endoscopy (204/222 [91.8%]), surgery after endoscopic attempt (13/222 [5.9%]), and repeat endoscopy after surgery was recommended but declined (5/222 [2.3%]). In-hospital case fatality rate was 11/222 (5%). Risk of death was significantly higher with surgery (OR = 20.1, 95% CI 3.59-112.44; P = 0.001), and 5/5 (100%) of dogs died if undergoing endoscopy after surgery was recommended but declined. Increasing numbers of postprocedural complications (OR = 3.44, CI 2.01-5.91; P < 0.001), esophageal perforation (OR = 65.47, CI 4.27-1004.15; P = 0.003), and postprocedure esophageal hemorrhage (OR = 11.81, CI 1.19-116.77; P = 0.04) increased in-hospital risk of death. Esophageal strictures were reported in 4/189 (2.1%) of survivors available for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Death is uncommon in canine EFB; however, treatment type affects outcome, and these data should be used to guide decision-making in dogs with EFB.

Clinical indications, complications, and long-term outcome of esophageal surgeries in 27 horses.

The main objective of this retrospective study was to describe clinical findings, management, and short- and long-term outcome in 27 horses that underwent various surgical techniques for esophageal disease. Surgical techniques (sometimes concurrently) performed were: esophagostomy (n = 14), esophagotomy with primary closure (n = 6), esophagomyotomy (n = 3), and esophagoplasty (n = 2). Esophageal perforation in 5 horses was treated by ventral drainage; 3 horses had the esophageal defect sutured (n = 3). Feeding tubes were placed in 15 horses. Postoperative complications occurred in 52% (14/27) with a median of 3 complications/horse (range: 1 to 7). Significantly more complications occurred in horses with a perforated esophagus. Eighteen horses (18/27; 67%) were discharged. Most horses (8/9; 89%) with a lesion located in the proximal esophagus were discharged. Horses with a higher number of postoperative complications, particularly postoperative infection, were more likely to be euthanized. One year after surgery, 41% of the horses were alive and free of complications.

Indications cliniques, complications et résultat à long terme de chirurgies œsophagiennes chez 27 chevaux. L'objectif principal de cette étude rétrospective a été de décrire les résultats cliniques, la gestion et les résultats à court et à long terme chez 27 chevaux qui ont subi diverses techniques de chirurgie pour le traitement de la maladie œsophagienne. Les techniques chirurgicales réalisées (parfois de manière concomitante) étaient : l'œsophagostomie (n = 14), l'œsophagotomie avec fermeture primaire (n = 6), l'œsophagomyotomie (n = 3) et l'œsophagoplastie (n = 2). La perforation œsophagienne chez 5 chevaux a été traitée par drainage ventral; 3 chevaux ont subi une suture du défaut œsophagien (n = 3). Des sondes d'alimentation ont été placées chez 15 chevaux. Les complications postopératoires se sont produites chez 52 % des chevaux (14/27) avec une médiane de 3 complications/cheval (fourchette : 1 à 7). Un nombre significativement supérieur de complications se sont produits chez les chevaux ayant une perforation de l'œsophage. Dix-huit chevaux (18/27; 67 %) ont reçu leur congé. La plupart des chevaux (8/9; 89 %) ayant une lésion situé dans l'œsophage proximal ont reçu leur congé. Il était plus probable que les chevaux avec un nombre supérieur de complications postopératoires, particulièrement une infection postopératoire, soient euthanasiés. Un an après la chirurgie, 41 % des chevaux étaient vivants et libres de complications.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Perioperative morbidity and outcome of esophageal surgery in dogs and cats: 72 cases (1993-2013).

OBJECTIVE To evaluate perioperative morbidity and outcome in dogs and cats undergoing esophageal surgery. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 63 client-owned dogs and 9 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs and cats that underwent esophageal surgery were reviewed for information on signalment, history, results of preoperative diagnostic testing, condition treated, details of surgery, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up data were obtained via veterinarian and client telephone conversations. The relationship between complications and survival to hospital discharge was evaluated by means of regression analysis. RESULTS The most common indication for surgical intervention was an esophageal foreign body in dogs (50/63 [79%]) and esophageal stricture in cats (3/9). Complications were documented in 54% (34/63) of dogs and 3 of 9 cats. The most common immediate postoperative complications were respiratory in nature (9 dogs, 1 cat). Partial esophagectomy and resection with anastomosis were significantly associated with the development of immediate postoperative complications in dogs. The most common delayed postoperative complications were persistent regurgitation (7 dogs) and esophageal stricture formation (3 dogs, 1 cat). For dogs, a mass lesion and increasing lesion size were significantly associated with the development of delayed postoperative complications. Six dogs (10%) and 1 cat died or were euthanized prior to discharge, and pneumomediastinum and leukopenia were negative prognostic factors for dogs being discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study suggested that the short-term prognosis for dogs and cats that survive surgery for treatment of esophageal lesions is favorable, with 90% of patients discharged from the hospital (57/63 dogs; 8/9 cats). However, dogs treated for more extensive esophageal lesions as well as those undergoing esophagectomy or resection and anastomosis were more likely to develop postoperative complications.

Timpanismo em bovinos, secundário à obstrução esofágica por citrus limon (limão siciliano) / Bloat in cattle secondary to esophageal obstruction by citrus limon (sicilian lemon)

Timpanismo ruminal consiste na distensão acentuada do rúmen e retículo, devido a incapacidade do animal em expulsar gases produzidos durante o processo fisiológico da fermentação. O timpanismo pode ser ocasionado de forma primária, por formação de espuma estável, ou secundária, devido a anormalidades funcionais e/ou físicas que interferem na eructação. Nesse trabalho, são descritos os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos da ocorrência de timpanismo secundário em bovinos, decorrente da obstrução esofágica aguda por limões sicilianos. Cinco bovinos, de um lote de 210, foram afetados. Os bovinos eram suplementados com resíduo de tangerina (Citrus reticulata) no cocho e na última carga desse subproduto, havia limões sicilianos inteiros misturados ao resíduo. Os cinco animais afetados eram da raça Aberdeen Angus e tinham entre 12-24 meses de idade. Todos apresentaram sinais clínicos caracterizados principalmente por mucosas cianóticas, grave timpanismo, desconforto abdominal, acentuada dispneia e taquicardia, atonia ruminal, desidratação, decúbito e morte. O curso clínico variou entre 24 a 48 horas. Na necropsia, os cinco bovinos apresentavam grave obstrução esofágica por limões nas porções: cranial (logo após a laringe [1/5]), porção medial (entrada do tórax [1/5]) e final (próximo ao cárdia [3/5]). Nas áreas de oclusão, observou-se extensa necrose e ulceração da mucosa esofágica. O conteúdo ruminal dos bovinos estava seco e misturado com limões inteiros. No esôfago de dois animais havia linha de timpanismo. As lesões histológicas eram visualizadas principalmente no esôfago, na região da obstrução, onde se evidenciaram alterações degenerativas, necróticas e ulcerativas acentuadas no revestimento epitelial.

Ruminal bloat (acute timpany) in ruminants is a marked rumen-reticular distension which results from more gas being produced during the physiologic process of fermentation than is eliminated by eructation. This condition may present itself as either primary timpany due to the formation of stable foam or secondary timpany resulting from functional and/or physical disturbances compromising eructation. This paper describes the epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological aspects of acute timpany in cattle secondary to esophageal obstruction by sicilian lemons. Five out of a herd of 210 cattle were affected. Cattle were supplemented with tangerine (Citrus reticulata) residues in a trough. In the last batch of this feed there were whole sicilian lemons mixed with the tangerine residue. The five affected cattle were 12-24 month-old Aberdeen-Angus. All of the five presented clinical signs characterized mainly by cyanotic mucous membranes, severe timpany, abdominal discomfort, marked dyspnea and tachycardia, ruminal atony, dehydration, recumbence and death. Clinical course lasted from 24 to 48 hours. Necropsy findings in the five affected cattle were similar and included complete esophageal obstruction by lemons in the cranial esophagus (immediately cranial to the larynx [1/5]) medial esophagus (at the thoracic inlet [1/5]) and caudal esophagus (close to the cardia [3/5]). At the occluded sites the esophageal mucosa was necrotic and ulcerated. Ruminal content was dried and admixed with whole lemons. In the esophagus o two affected bovine a bloat line was observed. Histological lesions were observed mainly in the esophagus at the sites of obstruction and consisted of marked degenerative, necrotic and ulcerative changes in the esophageal mucosal epithelium.

Gastroesophageal intussusception in a 50-day-old German shepherd dog.

Gastroesophageal intussusception is a rare but life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention. We describe the clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and gross pathologic examinations of a 50-day-old German Shepherd dog with gastroesophageal intussusception associated with esophageal dilatation. The dog was brought to the clinic 10 days after weaning with a history of regurgitation, persistent vomiting, hematemesis, and dyspnea. On admission, the dog was lethargic with signs of shock and died just before surgery. Gastroesophageal intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in dogs with progressive vomiting or regurgitation especially at the weaning time.

Serological cross-reactivity of three commercial in-house immunoassays for detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigens with Spirocerca lupi in dogs with benign esophageal spirocercosis.

The nematode Spirocerca lupi infects dogs and is endemic in Israel. It leads to formation of esophageal nodules and neoplasia. Infection is diagnosed by coproscopy, endoscopy and radiography. Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease in dogs, and has a world-wide distribution, but autochthonous infection has never been detected in Israel. Infection is confirmed based on identifying D. immitis microfilariae, in concentrated blood specimens by microscopy (Knott's test or other tests) and serological tests specifically detecting circulating adult worm antigens. In the first part of this study, sera from dogs definitively diagnosed with esophageal spirocercosis by endoscopy were examined using three in-house immunoassays for detecting D. immitis antigen, and were positive in 2/19 (10.5%), 5/35 (14.3%) and 14/48 (29.2%) dogs, in assays 1 to 3, respectively, with no statistical difference between assays (P=0.08). Next, sera from 32 additional dogs with confirmed esophageal spirocercosis, which were confirmed to be negative for D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens DNA using a sensitive high-resolution melt PCR were tested using assay 3 and 8/32 (25%) were positive. These results demonstrate serological cross-reactivity between D. immitis and S. lupi in blood samples of dogs. In areas where the distributions of both nematodes overlap, this cross-reactivity should be considered when dog are screened for heartworm disease.

[Determination of hyperregeneratory esophagopathy in dogs with clinical signs attributable to esophageal disease]. / Bestimmung der hyperregeneratorischen Ösophagopathie bei Hunden mit klinischen Anzeichen einer Speiseröhrenerkrankung.

OBJECTIVE: It was hypothesized that typical characteristics of hyperregeneratory esophagopathy (HRE) in humans such as basal cell hyperplasia and elongation of stromal papillae are also histologically detectable in canine esophageal epithelium, and that these changes are associated with clinical signs and endoscopic findings suggesting gastroesophageal reflux (GER). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-five adult dogs with clinical signs attributable to esophageal disease underwent esophagoscopy and biopsy. Clinical signs suggesting GER (regurgitation, ptyalism, painful discomfort) were prospectively evaluated through a questionnaire. Endoscopic mucosal alterations suggesting GER such as minimal endoscopic changes and obvious mucosal defects were assessed via video endoscopy. Biopsy specimens obtained from the esophageal squamous epithelium were evaluated histologically. The squamous epithelium's substructures of esophageal biopsies were quantitatively assessed through microscopic morphometry. RESULTS: Esophageal squamous epithelium was considered normal in 48 dogs, and HRE was detected histologically in 17 dogs; both pathognomonic changes (basal cell hyperplasia, elongation of stromal papillae) were consistently present. Morphometrically assessed stromal papillary length and basal cell layer thickness was significantly (each, p < 0.0001) higher in the 17 dogs with HRE than in the 48 dogs without HRE, respectively. Overall, clinical signs suggesting GER were significantly (p = 0.02) more frequently encountered and regurgitation was significantly (p = 0.009) more common in the 17 dogs with HRE than in the 48 dogs without HRE. Similarly, endoscopic changes were significantly (p = 0.002) more frequently observed and minimal endoscopic changes suggesting GER were significantly (p = 0.004) more common in 17 dogs with HRE than in the 48 dogs without HRE. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Typical characteristics of hyperregeneratory esophagopathy in humans are also histologically detectable in canine esophageal epithelium. Histological changes are associated with clinical signs and endoscopic findings suggesting GER.

Helicobacteriose em leitões: imuno-histoquímica em amostras colhidas por meio de gastroscopia / Helicobacter infection in piglets: Immunohistochemical analysis in mucosal samples collected using gastroscopy

O diagnóstico da úlcera gastroesofágica (UGE) é fundamental para que se tente a recuperação dos afetados, entretanto há grande dificuldade na sua realização de forma precisa. Modernos endoscópios são ferramentas importantes nesse sentido e podem ser usados para determinar em que fase da criação a ulceração ocorre. A bactéria Helicobacter tem sido associada à UGE e gerado perdas econômicas. Tendo em vista que poucos trabalhos têm sido realizados para identificação do problema precocemente, este estudo teve como objetivo detectar as lesões relacionando-as, ou não, com a bactéria Helicobacter spp., mediante análises macroscópica e histopatológica de amostras colhidas por meio da gastroscopia. Foram utilizados 20 animais de ambos os sexos, pesando entre 22 e 26kg e com 65 dias de idade. O aparelho utilizado foi um gastrovideoscópio da marca Karl Storz, modelo 1380NKS. Foram colhidas amostras das regiões anatômicas aglandular (quadrilátero esofágico) e glandular (cárdica, fúndica e pilórica) para o teste ultrarrápido da urease e para as avaliações histopatológicas e imuno-histoquímicas. Onze animais apresentaram lesões na região aglandular à endoscopia, e microscopicamente 15 animais apresentaram paraqueratose. Em 18 animais, foram observadas alterações em pelo menos uma das três regiões glandulares. As lesões foram maiores na região cárdica, seguida da antral e da fúndica. Em relação ao teste ultrarrápido da urease, sete animais foram negativos nas quatro regiões, e 13 positivos em pelo menos uma delas. Em relação à imuno-histoquímica (IHQ), 10 animais foram negativos em todas as regiões e 10 foram positivos em pelo menos uma delas. Os achados pré-ulcerativos não demonstraram relação com o Helicobacter spp., que apresenta caráter saprofítico e oportunista confirmado pela sua imunomarcação em áreas sem lesão...

Gastroesophageal ulcer (GEU) diagnosis is fundamental for the treatment and recovery of the affected animal stock. GEU is a condition affecting animals, resulting in depletion of animal stock and subsequent economic losses. Helicobacter spp. have been associated with GEU. Modern endoscopes are important for detecting the stage of the breeding process at which the ulceration occurs. However, few studies regarding early detection of GEU have been conducted. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether GEU lesions were related to Helicobacter spp. infection, using gastroscopy as a diagnostic technique for macroscopic and histopathological analyses. Twenty piglets (both male and female) with a mean age of 65 days were included (weight, 22-26 kg). We used a Karl Storz Gastrovideoscope (model 1380NKS). Samples from nonglandular and glandular (cardia, fundus, and pylorus) regions were collected for the ultra-rapid urease test and for histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluations. Eleven animals showed macroscopic lesions in the nonglandular region during endoscopy, and 15 animals showed parakeratosis on histological analysis. Lesions in at least 1 glandular region were observed in 18 animals. The lesions were bigger in the cardiac region, followed by those in the antrum and the fundus. Regarding the ultra-rapid urease test, 7 animals were negative in all 4 regions and 13 were positive in at least 1 region. On IHC, 10 animals were negative in all 4 regions and 10 were positive in at least 1 region. However, pre-ulcerative findings were not correlated with Helicobacter spp. infection in the present study. The positive IHC findings for Helicobacter spp in regions without ulcerative lesions suggest its saprophytic and opportunistic nature...

Abnormal regurgitation in three cows caused by intrathoracic perioesophageal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Three Brown Swiss cows with abnormal regurgitation because of a perioesophageal disorder are described. CASE PRESENTATION: The cows were ill and had poor appetite, salivation and regurgitation of poorly-chewed feed. Collection of rumen juice was successful in one cow, and in another, the tube could be advanced to the level of the 7th intercostal space, and in the third, only saliva could be collected. In one cow, oesophagoscopy revealed a discoloured 10-cm mucosal area with fibrin deposits. Thoracic radiographs were normal. The cows were euthanased and examined postmortem. Cow 1 had a large perioesophageal abscess containing feed material at the level of the thoracic inlet, believed to be the result of a healed oesophageal injury. Cow 2 had an abscess between the oesophagus and trachea 25 cm caudal to the epiglottis with the same presumed aetiology as in cow 1. Cow 3 had a mediastinal carcinoma that enclosed and constricted the oesophagus. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal regurgitation in cattle is usually the result of an oesophageal disorder. Causes of oesophageal disorders vary widely and their identification can be difficult.

Evaluation of the quality of endoscopically obtained esophageal biopsies in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: An important premise for obtaining diagnostically relevant histology specimens is an appropriate biopsy technique. Goal of this study was to determine if biopsies of adequate quality can be obtained from the canine esophagus at the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) during routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over the course of one year, 58 dogs undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of the presence of esophageal (n = 22) or gastrointestinal (n = 36) clinical signs were prospectively included. Five biopsies were repeatedly collected from the same dorsal and ventral locations of the GEJ, fixated individually in 4% neutral buffered formaldehyde, and evaluated histopathologically after standard preparation and haematoxylin and eosin staining. The presence of esophageal squamous epithelium with a basal cell layer and lamina propria mucosae in conjunction with foveolar columnar epithelium and cardiac glands, and the absence of fundic glands in one specimen, respectively, was judged as an adequately sampled biopsy. RESULTS: Adequately sampled biopsies were reported in 45 out of 58 dogs, with 31 samples originating from the dorsal GEJ, 36 samples originating from the ventral GEJ, and with 22 samples originating from both sites, respectively. The incidence of adequately sampled biopsies increased significantly over time (r = 0,22; p < 0,05), with these biopsies being reported significantly more often during the last 6 months compared to the first 6 months of the study (p = 0,03). Histopathological evaluation of the esophageal squamous epithelium showed fibrosis, inflammation, elongation of the stromal papillae, and increased thickness of the basal cell layers in 14 out of 58 dogs. Stromal papillae of the ventral esophageal epithelium were significantly elongated in dogs with esophageal clinical signs compared to dogs with gastrointestinal clinical signs (p = 0,03). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After an initial learning phase adequate esophageal biopsies from the GEJ can be obtained in canine patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and histological lesions can be found in these biopsies.

Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs.

The aim of the paper is to present own experience in diagnosis and endoscopic removal of foreign bodies from the oesophagus in dogs. The study was performed on 22 dogs of different breed and sex, aged 7 months to 17 years, with suspicion of a foreign body in the oesophagus. All the dogs were subjected to a radiography of the oesophagus and oesophagoscopy. The most commonly observed clinical signs were regurgitation and swallowing disorders. The best diagnostic method allowing detection of foreign bodies in the oesophagus was esophagoscopy.

Successful resolution of esophageal granulomas in a dog infected with Spirocerca lupi.

A 13-year-old female Labrador Retriever presented with chronic regurgitation. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed nodules in the caudal esophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy followed by histopathological examination revealed esophageal granulomas caused by Spirocerca lupi. The infection was treated with milbemycin oxime. The therapy was successful, and a remarkable reduction in granulomas was observed. This case report describes the diagnostic imaging findings and treatment outcome of a dog with S. lupi infection in Japan.

Idiopathic esophagopathies resembling gastroesophageal reflux disease in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been demonstrated experimentally in dogs, and it is suspected to occur naturally in dogs, yet its clinical significance is unknown. The aim of the study was to demonstrate clinical indicators of pathologic GER in dogs with idiopathic esophagopathies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs with clinical signs suggestive for esophageal disease (regurgitation, ptyalism, or dysphagia) and where extraesophageal and specific esophageal diseases had been ruled out, were retrospectively diagnosed with idiopathic esophagopathies. History, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic, radiographic, and endoscopic data, and treatment results were obtained from medical records, reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 67 dogs with anamnestic esophageal signs, 12 (17.4%) dogs were identified as having idiopathic esophagopathies and were included in the study. Median age was 3.0 years (range 1.0-11.0), and median bodyweight was 28.2 kg (range 8.2-44.0). The most frequent anamnestic esophageal signs were ptyalism (10/12 dogs), regurgitation (8/12 dogs), signs of discomfort, pain (8/12 dogs), and cough (5/12 dogs). The most common radiographic abnormality was segmental esophageal dilation (8/12 dogs). Esophagoscopy revealed single mucosal surface defects at the gastroesophageal junction in 3/12 dogs. In dogs with altered esophageal motility, cytological and microbiological examinations of bronchial aspirates showed goblet cell hyperplasia (8/8 dogs), neutrophilic infiltration (5/8 dogs) and culturable bacteria (4/8 dogs), respectively. All dogs were treated with omeprazole (median 0.7 mg/kg once per day, range 0.5-1.2). Reported median treatment duration until remission of the main clinical signs was 20.0 days (range 8.0-54.0 days). This endpoint was reached in 11/12 dogs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in some dogs with esophageal clinical signs, and where no primary disease could be identified, clinical indicators of pathologic GER such as pain, mucosal lesions and motility disturbances of the esophagus, respiratory complications, and response to therapy can be observed.

Comparison between clinical, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and pathology findings in dogs presented for suspected thyroid carcinoma.

This study compares clinical, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pathology findings in 16 prospectively, and seven retrospectively recruited dogs presented for suspected thyroid carcinoma. Of these, 17 were confirmed thyroid carcinoma, while six were initially misdiagnosed. These included four carotid body tumors, one para-esophageal abscess, and one undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Thyroid carcinomas occurred in older dogs without evidence of sex predilection, and were more often unilateral. All were large, heterogeneous, moderately to strongly vascularized, and most commonly contained areas of dystrophic mineralization and/or fluid accumulations. On MRI, thyroid carcinomas appeared hyperintense compared to surrounding musculature in all imaging sequences used, while on CT they had a lower attenuation value than normal thyroid gland tissue. Histologically confirmed tumor capsule disruption with invasion of the surrounding structures was most commonly detected with MRI. Palpation was not an accurate predictor of locally invasive vs. well-encapsulated masses. Computed tomography had the highest specificity (100%) and MRI had the highest sensitivity (93%) in diagnosing thyroid carcinoma, while ultrasound had considerably lower results. We conclude that ultrasound is adequate for use as a screening tool for dogs with suspected thyroid carcinoma, but recommend either CT or MRI for preoperative diagnosis and staging.

Clinical relevance of novel Otarine herpesvirus-3 in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus): lymphoma, esophageal ulcers, and strandings.

Herpesviruses have been recognized in marine mammals, but their clinical relevance is not always easy to assess. A novel otarine herpesvirus-3 (OtHV3) was detected in a geriatric California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), and using a newly developed quantitative PCR assay paired with histology, OtHV3 was associated with esophageal ulcers and B cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in this animal. The prevalence and quantities of OtHV3 were then determined among buffy coats from 87 stranded and managed collection sea lions. Stranded sea lions had a higher prevalence of OtHV3 compared to managed collection sea lions (34.9% versus 12.5%; p = 0.04), and among the stranded sea lions, yearlings were most likely to be positive. Future epidemiological studies comparing the presence and viral loads of OtHV3 among a larger population of California sea lions with and without lymphoid neoplasia or esophageal ulcers would help elucidate the relevance of OtHV3-associated pathologies to these groups.