Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Postanesthetic esophageal dysfunction in 13 dogs.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Wilson, Deborah V & Walshaw, Richard
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In a study involving thirteen dogs, it was found that many experienced problems with their esophagus after undergoing anesthesia. Ten of these dogs had a narrowing of the esophagus, which can make it hard to swallow. Common issues included vomiting or regurgitating food and losing weight, with some dogs also coughing and developing aspiration pneumonia, a serious lung infection. Symptoms lasted anywhere from 17 to 150 days, and it often took a long time—up to 76 days—for a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, one dog still developed this condition even with preventive measures in place, highlighting that this can be a serious and costly issue.
Abstract
Thirteen dogs with postanesthetic esophageal dysfunction were identified; 10 of these animals had esophageal stricture. Regurgitation was noted in six dogs during the inciting anesthetic event. Clinical problems common to all dogs included vomiting/regurgitation and weight loss. Coughing was noted in six dogs, and aspiration pneumonia was present in four of these dogs. The associated mortality rate was 23%. The duration of symptoms ranged from 17 to 150 days, and the diagnosis was often delayed (up to 76 days from onset of clinical signs to diagnosis). Postanesthetic esophageal dysfunction was a debilitating and costly problem that developed in one dog despite current preventative treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15533965/