Case of the month - Chihuahua puppy with acute regurgitation

A 2-month-old female Chihuahua presents with acute regurgitation.

In order to obtain further information, thoracic radiographs in two plans were taken:

Radiographic report:

At the heartbase, the esophagus is focally distended and filled with soft-tissue opaque material (red oval). The cranial mediastinum is widened in the VD projection but shows otherwise no evidence of free fluid or mediastinitis. The widened esophagus displaces the carina ventrally.

The pulmonary parenchyma is normal in opacity and pattern without evidence of aspiration pneumonia at this point in time.

Suspected diagnosis:

Focal megaoesophagus secondary to an esophageal foreign body. An underlying esophageal stricture is possible.

Further diagnostics:

Contrast radiography (esophagram) to better visualize the pathology; Iodinated contrast is preferred when esophageal rupture is suspected (barium in the mediastnumcan induce severe granulomatous reaction in the mediastinum).

A leak or fistula (oesophagobronchial, oesophagotracheal) can also be ruled out with an esophagram.

Endoscopic removal is recommended if an esophageal foreign body is suspected.

Final diagnosis:

Oesophageal foreign body (packed food) endoscopically removed.

Many thanks to Dr. ECVDI Thorsten Rick for this case report!

DiploVets - togehter we care