Caudal Oesophagus Research Articles

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma presenting as a foreign body induced intrathoracic abscess in a dog

AbstractA 9‐year‐old, male, entire Irish setter was referred for further investigation of a chronic cough, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Computed tomography revealed a large ovoid encapsulated lesion, with a gas and fluid attenuating centre, and an intralesional mineral opacity. The lesion ran close to the caudal oesophagus, and extended cranially within the pulmonary parenchyma. Endoscopy revealed a communication between the lumen of the distal oesophagus and the lesion, which contained a purulent discharge and plant material. Based on the computed tomography and endoscopic findings, the diagnosis was expected to be a thoracic abscess, secondary to foreign body migration or penetration; however, surgical resection and histopathological analysis of the lesion revealed an oesophageal adenocarcinoma. This case details the unusual presentation of an oesophageal adenocarcinoma, with endoscopic and computed tomography findings that mimicked a thoracic abscess with an intralesional foreign body.

GROSS AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE COELOMIC ORGANS OF HEALTHY AXOLOTLS (AMBYSTOMA MEXICANUM).

The objectives of this study were to describe the gross anatomy and ultrasonographic appearance of coelomic organs in subadult and adult axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum), to describe an ultrasound technique, and to test correlations of ultrasonographic measurement with body length, width, and weight. Necropsies of coelomic organs were conducted on 10 axolotls (females = 5; males = 5) and ultrasound on 11 (males = 5; females = 6). Animals were kept in water and maintained conscious during ultrasound. The heart, caudal vena cava, liver, gallbladder, spleen, esophagus, stomach, colon, kidneys, ovaries, and fat bodies were identified in all study subjects, although testicles were identified in only 6/7 subjects. The pancreas and adrenal glands could not be identified in any animals, either during necropsy or ultrasonography. Coelomic and pericardial effusion was present in all animals. Ultrasonographic measurements of the liver, spleen, myocardial thickness, and right and left kidney length were highly repeatable (correlation value [CV] < 5%) and the esophagus, spleen, caudal vena cava, fat bodies, gallbladder, colon thickness, right kidney height and width, and right testicle diameter were statistically repeatable (CV < 10%).

Chronic oesophagitis, oesophageal laceration and gastritis in a Dalmatian after ingestion of medium‐density fibreboard

AbstractA 6‐year‐old, male, neutered Dalmatian was evaluated as an emergency due to retching, hypersalivation and haematemesis, which developed after ingestion of medium‐density fibreboard. Radiographs of the neck, thorax and abdomen revealed gas tracking within the cervical oesophageal wall. Endoscopy revealed changes suggestive of severe generalised oesophagitis, oesophageal laceration in caudal oesophagus and gastritis. Treatment with prokinetics, antiemetics, gastroprotectants and antibiotics was administered. However, progressive regurgitation noticed 4 weeks after discharge prompted a second endoscopy, which excluded oesophageal stricture but confirmed persistent severe oesophagitis. Aspiration pneumonia occurred 4 weeks later after an episode of suspected regurgitation secondary to quick ingestion of food. Five months after initial presentation, hand‐feeding from a height and administration of metoclopramide and omeprazole were still required to prevent retching and regurgitation. Therefore, permanent damage to the oesophagus associated with ingestion of medium‐density fibreboard was suspected.

Surgical management of choke due to trichobezoars in a cow: A case report

Choke or esophageal foreign body obstruction is common condition in cow due to indiscriminate feeding habits. The most common site of obstruction is caudal cervical esophagus. A 7 year old, crossbred cow was presented with a history of sudden onset of ptyalism, bloated abdomen, respiratory distress, restlessness and swollen caudo-ventral cervical part. Physical examination of cervical region revealed partially movable, two round hard masses. Survey radiography showed two spherical (ball) like structures (6.83⁎6.11cm) at the level of C3-C4 and C5-C6 verterbral junction with an outer radiopaque wall and inner radiolucent part. The manual method of pushing foreign body into abdomen using probang and removal through oral cavity was failed due to complete intraluminal obstruction. Left cervical esophagotomy was performed and two trichobezoars (balls) were retrieved. This surgery proved excellent resolution of clinical signs.

Surgical management of oesophageal foreign body using a minimally invasive oesophagotomy technique (MIOT) in an Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) - a case report

Accidental ingestion of fish hooks is common among turtles. Several techniques are available for retrieving fish hooks, ranging from simple non-invasive techniques to more complicated and invasive surgical procedures. The purpose of this case report is to document the successful surgical retrieval of an oesophageal foreign body (fish hook) using a minimally invasive oesophagotomy technique (MIOT) in an Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata). The adult male Indian Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) presented with a nylon thread protruding from its mouth. The dorsoventral radiographs confirmed the presence of a foreign body in the caudal oesophagus, just outside the coelomic cavity. After the induction of general anaesthesia, a sterile artificial insemination (AI) sheath was passed intraorally through the fishing line until it reached the hook. The fish hook was then retrieved by making a 5 mm incision at the point where the tip of the AI sheath was felt. The incision in the oesophagus and skin was closed in a routine manner. The turtle was kept in secure captivity for 20 days, following which it was released to its natural habitat. The oesophagotomy technique used in this case reduces the size of the incision considerably, thereby decreasing the possibility of postoperative complications.

Oesophageal dysmotility in a dog following surgical correction of an oesophageal perforation

AbstractA 9‐year‐old, male neutered Jack Russell terrier, weighing 6.7 kg, required general anaesthesia for retrieval of an oesophageal foreign body (OFB) of 7 days' duration. Removal of the osseous foreign body with oesophagoscopy was successful but revealed severe oesophageal necrosis with two full thickness tears of the caudal thoracic oesophagus prompting surgical intervention. Bilateral thoracotomy was performed, and the oesophageal lesions were successfully apposed. A gastrostomy tube was placed to provide nutrition until oral feeding resumed. Fourteen days post‐operatively the dog began to regurgitate with increasing frequency. Oesophagoscopy was repeated and revealed healing of the oesophageal lesions. Thoracic radiography was also normal. A fluoroscopic barium swallow study was performed 24 days post‐operatively which revealed severe oesophageal dysmotility of the caudal thoracic oesophagus. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of severe oesophageal dysmotility as a delayed, post‐operative complication of oesophageal surgery following complete perforation by an osseous OFB.

Fatal Rameshwarotrema uterocrescens infection with ulcerative esophagitis and intravascular dissemination in green turtles.

The trematode Rameshwarotrema uterocrescens (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) parasitizes the glands of the caudal esophagus of Chelonia mydas. In the present study, 741 C. mydas were examined, 85 animals had adult specimens of R. uterocrescens associated with necrotizing ulcerous esophagitis, of these 85, 21 presented invasion of the esophageal mural vessels in the caudal esophagus of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Necrotizing granulomatous splenitis, hepatitis, and nephritis were associated with the presence of parasites. The eggs from R. uterocrescens are birefringent under plane-polarized light, which distinguishes them from those of spirorchiid trematodes. This study contributes novel data on R. uterocrescens, methods for detecting this parasite, and demonstrates the fatal potential of parasitism in C. mydas.

Formation and reduction of provisional ventral foregut diverticulum in the embryos of Anguilliformes as the recapitulation of lungs

We described the development and subsequent reduction of ventral foregut diverticulum in the early ontogenesis of Anguilliformes in plankton samples collected in the coastal waters of central Vietnam. The diverticulum is a provisional structure derived from the ventral-lateral area of the caudal esophagus. It develops as a protrusion from the esophagus wall and consists of one cell layer. An increase in the volume of the diverticulum results from the proliferation of these cells and transformation of their shape. It was found that the development of the ventral diverticulum in eels is similar to the early stages of lungs formation in other vertebrates. The formation of ventral diverticulum of the esophagus was recorded in all studied embryos. The time and the extent of its development differs between species and can serve as an additional morphological character in the taxonomic identification of eels at early stages of their ontogeny.

Timpanismo em bovinos, secundário à obstrução esofágica por Citrus limon (limão siciliano)

Resumo: 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.

Gastrotomy in dog for removal of foreign body in caudal esophagus. Case report

Foreign bodies are digestible or not objects that can cause esophageal obstruction. Once located, the clinician must decide whether to observe its passage or perform the removal, being immediate intervention the most recommended. With that, we aimed to report a case of foreign body in the caudal esophagus of a canine, female, 8 years, with history of regurgitation and hyporexia. Based on anamnesis and physical examination findings, radiographs were performed in the laterolateral and ventrodorsal incidences, which showed the presence of radiopaque image (bone), confirming the presence of esophageal foreign body. In addition, ultrasound was requested and tests of serum biochemistry, all with no changes. As conduct, gastrostomy was performed to remove the bone and desobstruction.

Evaluation of Pharyngeal Function in Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis Before and After Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization.

To evaluate pharyngeal and laryngeal function using esophagography, topical pharyngeal/laryngeal sensitivity testing, and electromyography (EMG) in normal and dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) before and after unilateral arytenoid lateralization. Prospective controlled cohort study. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis (ILP; n = 8) and age/breed-matched (AB, n = 8) and young breed-matched dogs (B, n = 8) were recruited. Evaluation consisted of esophagography, topical pharyngeal/laryngeal sensitivity testing, and electrodiagnostic testing. Esophagography was performed with liquid and canned phases. Pharyngeal and laryngeal sensitivity was tested by applying a cotton-tipped applicator to the mucosa of pharynx/larynx at anesthetic induction. In all dogs, electrophysiological testing included EMG, direct evoked muscle potentials, motor nerve conduction velocities, and F wave testing. These were performed in the thoracic/pelvic limbs, extrinsic laryngeal muscles, epaxial, and masticatory muscles. Topical pharyngeal and laryngeal sensitivity testing was decreased in LP dogs compared with age-matched healthy control dogs. Esophagram showed dysmotility in the cranial and caudal esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly higher in ILP dogs compared with the other 2 groups (P < .03). In all affected dogs, EMG abnormalities were limited to the interosseous muscles of both pelvic and thoracic limbs bilaterally. Dogs with ILP not only have recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and pararecurrent laryngeal nerve (pRLN) dysfunction, but may also have concurrent cranial laryngeal nerve dysfunction.

Excitatory and inhibitory enteric innervation of horse lower esophageal sphincter.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a specialized, thickened muscle region with a high resting tone mediated by myogenic and neurogenic mechanisms. During swallowing or belching, the LES undergoes strong inhibitory innervation. In the horse, the LES seems to be organized as a "one-way" structure, enabling only the oral-anal progression of food. We characterized the esophageal and gastric pericardial inhibitory and excitatory intramural neurons immunoreactive (IR) for the enzymes neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase. Large percentages of myenteric plexus (MP) and submucosal (SMP) plexus nNOS-IR neurons were observed in the esophagus (72 ± 9 and 69 ± 8 %, respectively) and stomach (57 ± 17 and 45 ± 3 %, respectively). In the esophagus, cholinergic MP and SMP neurons were 29 ± 14 and 65 ± 24 vs. 36 ± 8 and 38 ± 20 % in the stomach, respectively. The high percentage of nitrergic inhibitory motor neurons observed in the caudal esophagus reinforces the role of the enteric nervous system in the horse LES relaxation. These findings might allow an evaluation of whether selective groups of enteric neurons are involved in horse neurological disorders such as megaesophagus, equine dysautonomia, and white lethal foal syndrome.

Multiple level enteric duplication cysts in a cat

Summary Enteric duplication is a rare congenital abnormality, affecting people, dogs and cats. The present report documents an original case of bi-focal duplication cysts of the digestive tract in a six-month-old cat presented for chronic vomiting and dyspnea. A cranial abdominal mass and a caudo-dorsal thoracic mass were identified, by palpation and radiographically, respectively. Their ultrasonographic examination was consistent with fluid-filled cysts. Their cytological examination revealed squamous epithelial cells in an amorphous aseptic fluid. CT-scan confirmed the presence of a mass adjacent to the caudal esophagus and a mass adjacent to the duodenum, without obvious communication with the lumen of the adjacent digestive tract. The cysts were surgically subtotally removed via laparotomy and radial trans-diaphragmatic thoracotomy, and their remnants were omentalized. The cat recovered well from surgery, and clinical signs resolved transiently. One year later, recurrence of the esophageal cyst prompted for another surgery. No cyst was present on the duodenum. The histological examination of excised masses was consistent with duplication cysts of esophagus and duodenum, exhibiting histological characteristics of the enteric portion from where they were originated.

Successful Resolution of Esophageal Granulomas in a Dog Infected with &lt;i&gt;Spirocerca lupi&lt;/i&gt;

ABSTRACTA 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.

Esophageal foreign bodies in dogs: 34 cases (2004–2009)

To characterize the clinical and radiographic signs, endoscopic findings, treatment, and outcome for dogs that present with esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs), and to identify factors associated with the severity of secondary esophagitis and length of hospitalization (LOH). Retrospective case series. Private referral veterinary center. Client-owned dogs. None. Medical records for 34 client-owned dogs with EFBs that had esophageal radiographs and that had undergone esophagoscopy were evaluated retrospectively. Information regarding clinical history, radiographic signs, findings at esophagoscopy, and outcome were recorded. The most common EFBs were bone (29.7%) and rawhides (29.7%). The median duration of clinical signs prior to initial presentation was 2.75 hours. Radiographically, EFBs were identified definitively in 30 dogs and questionably in 1. The most common location was in the caudal esophagus (59.3%). Esophagitis was not identified in 6 dogs; and was assessed as mild in 14, moderate in 9, and severe in 4. In 1 dog the degree of esophagitis could not be determined due to the presence of contrast agent. Dogs with longer duration of clinical signs and longer anesthesia times were more likely to have moderate or severe esophagitis. Median LOH was 19 hours. Dogs with longer duration of clinical signs, EFBs located in the caudal esophagus, and moderate or severe esophagitis had longer hospital stays. No dogs experienced long-term complications. Complication rate was 82.5% with 8 patients having more than 1 complication. While long-term prognosis is excellent, early intervention helps reduce short-term esophagitis and LOH.

Spirocercosis in stray dogs of Chittagong metropolitan area of Bangladesh: an epidemiological and pathological investigation

A total of sixty adult stray dogs (32 male and 28 female) randomly captured from different locality of Chittagong metropolitan area were euthanized during the period of May 2010 to January 2011. The dogs were necropsized to observe the presence of Spirocerca lupi in their oesophagus producing characteristic nodular lesions. The associated haematological changes were also determined. Twenty four (40%) of the captured dogs were positive (40.62 % male and 39.28 % female) for spirocercosis having oesophageal nodular lesions. One to three broad based nodular lesions with an average diameter of 2.104±0.139 cm were observed in the caudal oesophagus of spirocerca positive dogs. Minimum 1 and maximum 12 worms found harboring in each nodule with an average number of 3.75± 0.686. The association between the oesophageal nodular lesions and body condition of the dogs was inconclusive and locationwise prevalence was also not clear. Anaemia was observed in infected dogs with significant reduction in ESR values and MCHC%. Leukocytosis, particularly neutrophilia was common in infected dogs in comparison to the noninfected. Histopathology revealed extensive fibrous tissue proliferation around the adult worms in most of the nodular lesions with large numbers of newly formed blood vessels resembling granulation tissues. A considerable degree of fibroplasia was evident with predominant accumulation of fibroblasts and irregular layers collagen fibers in mature nodules. Accumulation of large numbers of neutrophil was common in nodular lesions, whereas, infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells also found in some cases. One lesion showed evidence of fibrosarcoma characterized by proliferation of undifferentiated atypical fibroblasts having abnormal mitotic figures.

Reconstruction of the oesophagus using pedicle diaphragm and omentum flaps in a dog: a case report

A two-years-old, intact female, Shih-Tzu dog weighing 5 kg was presented to the Chonbuk Animal Medical Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, with the history of bone ingestion before two days. The survey radiographs of the thorax revealed a bone at the caudal thoracic oesophagus. An oesophagram was performed which did not reveal any oesophageal leakage or perforation. The left caudolateral thoracotomy was performed and the caudal oesophagus was found partially necrosed, friable and inflamed. The necrosed, friable part was removed and the oesophageal defect was reconstructed using a full-thickness muscle flap collected from the diaphragm. A part of the omentum was mobilized from the abdomen and sutured over the reconstructed site of the oesophagus to aid healing. Oesophagoscopy after nine days postoperatively showed a good adhesion of the diaphragm flap. The patient showed normal activity after 12 days and no complications were observed during a one-year follow up period. The pedicle flap collected from the left hemidiaphragm in addition to the omentum flap can be successfully used to reconstruct the circumferential oesophageal defect.

Congenital oesophageal stricture in a Japanese shiba inu

An 11-week-old, female, Japanese shiba inu, weighing 1.3 kg, was presented with a history of intermittent regurgitation since birth. An oesophagram showed a partial obstruction of the caudal cervical oesophagus associated with a narrow, transverse tissue band. Following surgical resection, the regurgitation resolved and the dog attained a normal bodyweight. Histological examination revealed focally hyperplastic epithelium with dense fibrous underlying connective tissue forming the band. The diagnosis was a congenital oesophageal stricture.

Chronic oesophageal foreign body in a cat

An 11-year-old cat was presented with an approximately 2-month history of dysphagia, intermittent regurgitation and weight loss. An oesophageal foreign body was identified on plain radiographs, and an oesophagotomy was performed to remove a large V-shaped bone from the caudal cervical oesophagus. A gastrostomy feeding tube was placed to allow nutritional support postoperatively. Medical treatment for oesophagitis was initiated after surgery. No complications were encountered and the cat was discharged 4 days after surgery.

Spatial and temporal organization of TrkB expression in the developing musculature of the mouse esophagus.

TrkB expression was investigated immunocytochemically in the developing musculature of mouse esophagus using conventional and confocal laser scanning microscopy. To demonstrate spatial relationships of TrkB immunoreactive cells to striated and smooth muscle fibers we combined TrkB immunocytochemistry with fluorochrome-tagged alpha-bungarotoxin for labeling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and alpha-smooth muscle actin for labeling of smooth muscle cells. At developmental stages E15 to P7, TrkB immunoreactive cells transiently occurred in a transformation zone where striated intermingled with smooth muscle fibers. This transformation zone started in the rostral esophagus at E15, moved caudally, and disappeared between P7 and P10 in the caudal esophagus. The first TrkB-immunoreactive cells appeared in the outer muscle layer at E15. No TrkB-positive cells exhibited acetylcholine receptor clusters or were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin. A few showed slight alpha-bungarotoxin staining over their entire surface. Taken together, the appearance of TrkB-expressing cells in the transformation zone suggest a role in muscle transdifferentiation. Alternatively, these results, together with recent in vitro data, suggest that TrkB is expressed in a subpopulation of myoblasts in which acetylcholine receptor clustering may be inhibited through a TrkB-mediated pathway.