Complete tracheal duplication with a communicating oesophageal foregut malformation in a dog.

A complete tracheal duplication with a communicating foregut malformation has not been previously reported. We now describe the clinical presentation, computed tomography imaging features and pathological findings associated with this condition in a 12-week-old dog. The dog presented with recurrent episodes of bronchopneumonia and a soft tissue swelling in the ventral cervical region. The main findings were a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula connecting the tracheal and oesophageal anomalies, with secondary moderately neutrophilic bronchopneumonia. In addition, there was a suspected concurrent congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrioventricular endocardiosis. This report highlights a novel foregut duplication and may assist in understanding the currently debated aetiopathogenesis of this condition in both humans and animals.

Diode laser treatment in a case of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula in a young dog.

An 8-month-old intact female mixed breed Maremma sheepdog with a history of chronic cough was examined. A diagnosis of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula was made. A novel endoscopic diode laser technique achieved closure of the fistula and resolution of the clinical signs. Our experience has shown that the diode laser technique is an appropriate mode of therapy.

Traitement au laser diode dans un cas de fistule trachée-oesophagienne congénitale chez une jeune chienne. Une chienne berger Maremma de race croisée intacte âgée de 8 mois avec une anamnèse de toux chronique a été examinée. Un diagnostic de fistule trachée-oesophagienne congénitale a été posé. Une nouvelle technique de laser diode endoscopique a réussi à fermer la fistule et a permis de résoudre les signes cliniques. Notre expérience a démontré que la technique au laser diode est un mode approprié de thérapie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Management of a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula in a young Spanish water dog.

BACKGROUND: Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in dogs is a rare disease with only few reports in the literature. This report aims to contribute to the current literature on suitable diagnostic methods for TEF and to provide follow-up information after successful surgical treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A seven-month-old intact female Spanish Water Dog was presented for further investigation of recurrent respiratory symptom. Bronchoscopy revealed a small hole-like defect in the tracheal wall at the bifurcation. The finding of the contrast material swallow study under fluoroscopy was indicative of a TEF. To further evaluate the connection between the trachea and esophagus, a computed tomography scan was performed. The TEF was surgically approached by thoracotomy through the right lateral sixth intercostal space. The fistula was identified, double ligated and divided. Histopathology confirmed the process to originate from the esophagus and to be patent. The dog was re-examined two weeks and ten months after surgery, with no evidence of recurring clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast material swallow study using fluoroscopy was the most reliable diagnostic method. Bronchoscopy may allow the fistula to be visualized, but due to a small fistular opening it can lead to a false negative result. Surgical correction by ligation and dividing of the fistula suggests a good prognosis for early diagnosed and operated TEF.

A congenital oesophagotracheal fistula in a two-year-old dog.

A congenital oesophagotracheal fistula in a two-year-old dog is reported. An account is given of the clinical symptoms, radiographic appearance, the supportive therapy, surgical correction and the post mortem findings.

[Oesophagotracheal fistula in a calf. Report of a case (author's transl)]. / Een geval van een oesophago-tracheale fistel bij een kalf

The case of a nine-month-old Dutch-Friesian heifer calf with an oesophagotracheal fistula which probably was congenital, is reported. The fistula passed obliquely from the caudodorsal to the cranioventral region, from the ventral portion of the oesophagus to the dorsal part of the trachea, into which it opened at a point one cm. cranial to the eparterial bronchus. The animal had been affected with bloat at birth and had had difficulty in drinking as a young calf. It did not show any clinical symptoms during the grazing period. It was not until the animal was housed at an age of nine months that bloat recurred as a result of inflation of the rumen by the fistula.