Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with megaesophagus managed long-term by esophagostomy tube
By Kanemoto, Yuka et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2017·Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Long-term management of a dog with idiopathic megaesophagus and recurrent aspiration pneumonia by use of an indwelling esophagostomy tube for suction of esophageal content and esophagogastric tube feeding.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever was diagnosed with idiopathic megaesophagus, which caused him to regurgitate frequently and develop aspiration pneumonia, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. To help manage these issues, veterinarians placed an esophagostomy tube to drain fluid from his esophagus and an esophagogastric tube for feeding. After the tubes were put in, his regurgitation dropped significantly, and he gained weight, improving from 18.5 kg to 27.9 kg. Unfortunately, he passed away nearly three years later due to complications from the tube, but this approach helped manage his condition effectively during that time.
People also search for: dog regurgitation treatment · Labrador megaesophagus management · esophagostomy tube for dogs
Abstract
A 10-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever dog was diagnosed with idiopathic megaesophagus. Despite receiving conventional treatments including elevated feeding, the dog showed repeated regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia, consequently developing weight loss and severe malnutrition. For the purpose of controlling regurgitation, an esophagostomy tube was placed for draining the esophageal fluid. Additionally, an esophagogastric tube was placed for nutritional support. After tube placement, the average frequency of regurgitation was reduced from 2.4 times a day to 0.1 times a day. The nutritional state of the dog improved gradually, and the body weight increased from 18.5 to 27.9 kg. The dog died on day 951, and necropsy revealed a gastric ulcer (2.5 cm in diameter), presumably esophagostomy tube-induced injury. This case report suggests that patients with idiopathic megaesophagus and persistent regurgitation might benefit from esophageal drainage through an esophagostomy tube.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27853047/