Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with esophageal pouch and hairball causing regurgitation
By Durocher, Lawren et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2009·Carolina Veterinary Specialists, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Esophageal diverticulum associated with a trichobezoar in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old male domestic longhaired cat was brought in for persistent regurgitation that had started a month prior. This cat had previously undergone treatment for an esophageal blockage caused by a hairball (trichobezoar), which was removed endoscopically. After the blockage, the cat was fed a special canned diet and did well for several months, but the regurgitation returned. Tests revealed a new issue: a pouch in the esophagus (diverticulum) containing another hairball. Although the hairball was removed, the cat sadly passed away two months later, showing signs of breathing difficulties.
People also search for: cat regurgitation causes · hairball treatment for cats · cat esophageal diverticulum symptoms
Abstract
A 9-year-old, castrated male, domestic longhaired cat was evaluated for persistent regurgitation over the previous month. The cat had presented 9 months earlier and was diagnosed with esophageal obstruction secondary to a trichobezoar. The trichobezoar had been removed endoscopically, and the cat was subsequently fed a canned prescription diet. The owners noted only infrequent regurgitation over the following 9 months. After signs recurred, contrast radiography with fluoroscopy revealed an esophageal diverticulum at the thoracic inlet, with an ovoid filling defect. Decreased esophageal motility was noted distal to the diverticulum. Esophagoscopy confirmed the presence of a trichobezoar within an esophageal diverticulum. Following removal of the trichobezoar and therapy to prevent trichobezoar formation, the cat did well for 2 months until it died suddenly with signs of hyperventilation and open-mouth breathing.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19411651/