Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pneumoesophagography shows esophagus masses in dogs with spirocercosis
By Kirberger, Robert M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2012·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Pneumoesophagography and the appearance of masses in the caudal portion of the esophagus in dogs with spirocercosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 30 dogs with confirmed Spirocerca lupi infection (a type of parasitic disease affecting the esophagus) underwent special X-rays to better understand the changes in their esophagus. The tests showed that a specific type of X-ray, called pneumoesophagography, was effective in revealing more details about the nodules in the esophagus compared to standard X-rays. This method helped identify the location and characteristics of the nodules, which can indicate whether they are benign or malignant. Overall, pneumoesophagography proved to be a useful and safe diagnostic tool for evaluating esophageal issues in these dogs.
People also search for: dog esophagus problems · Spirocerca lupi treatment · dog X-ray for esophageal nodules
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of pneumoesophagography, compared with that of survey radiography, for characterization of esophageal pathological changes in dogs with endoscopically confirmed intraluminal Spirocerca lupi nodules in the caudal portion of the esophagus. DESIGN: Diagnostic test evaluation. ANIMALS: 30 dogs with endoscopically confirmed spirocercosis. PROCEDURES: Dorsoventral (DV) and right lateral recumbent (RLR) thoracic survey radiographs were obtained for each dog. Endoscopy was subsequently performed, the esophagus was inflated with air, and left lateral recumbent, RLR, DV, and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs were obtained. The amount of esophageal and gastric distention was recorded. Visibility, location, and surface characteristics of lesions and total length of esophageal involvement were recorded independently for each radiograph and modality and compared with each other. RESULTS: Survey DV radiographs were more reliable than survey RLR radiographs for detecting caudal esophageal pathological changes. Lateral pneumoesophagograms showed more esophageal air and had more visible nodules than did their orthogonal counterparts. Right lateral recumbent pneumoesophagograms allowed for evaluation of the air-filled stomach, particularly the cardiac portion, for additional pathological changes. Pneumoesophagography allowed the mural position (47% located dorsally) and surface characteristics of Spirocerca nodules to be determined. Six of 9 dogs with confirmed malignant disease had an irregular nodule surface suggestive of neoplastic transformation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pneumoesophagography was easily performed in dogs with spirocercosis and showed promise as a cost-effective and safe initial diagnostic procedure for further evaluation and characterization of suspected caudal esophageal lesions.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22309014/