Abstract
BackgroundTracheoesophageal 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 presentationA 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.ConclusionsContrast 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.
Highlights
Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in dogs is a rare disease with only few reports in the literature
Bronchoscopy may allow the fistula to be visualized, but due to a small fistular opening it can lead to a false negative result
Congenital and acquired tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistulas in dogs are rarely identified as predisposing factors for recurrent pneumonia [2,3,4,5,6]
Summary
Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in dogs is a rare disease with only few reports in the literature. An esophageal fistula is an abnormal communication between the esophagus and trachea, bronchus, lung parenchyma or, rarely, the skin [1]. Congenital and acquired tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistulas in dogs are rarely identified as predisposing factors for recurrent pneumonia [2,3,4,5,6]. There have been only two previous reports describing tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in dogs, one congenital [2] and the other acquired due to an esophageal foreign body [5]. 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. Treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acida for ten days resulted in transient improvement in the clinical signs
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