Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery fixes breathing and swallowing hole in young Spanish water dog
By Kaminen, Pia S et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2014·Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula in a young Spanish water dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-month-old female Spanish Water Dog was brought in for breathing problems that kept coming back. After some tests, including a special swallow study, the vet found a small hole connecting her trachea and esophagus, known as a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). The dog underwent surgery to close the hole, and follow-up visits showed she was doing well with no signs of the breathing issues returning. This case suggests that early diagnosis and surgical treatment can lead to a positive outcome for dogs with this condition.
People also search for: dog breathing problems · Spanish Water Dog tracheoesophageal fistula · dog surgery recovery time
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tracheoesophageal 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 PRESENTATION: A 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. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast 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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24423070/