Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New feeding tube helps dogs and cats with esophageal strictures
By Tan, Desmond K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2018·Department of Interventional Radiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prospective evaluation of an indwelling esophageal balloon dilatation feeding tube for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 9 dogs and 3 cats with benign esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) underwent a new treatment using an indwelling balloon dilatation feeding tube. This method involved placing a tube that allowed for regular at-home inflations by the pet owners, which helped keep the esophagus open. After about 6 weeks, most pets showed significant improvement in their ability to swallow, with 91.7% having better scores at follow-up. This treatment was well-tolerated and could reduce the need for repeated anesthesia compared to traditional methods.
People also search for: dog swallowing problems treatment · cat esophagus stricture care · balloon dilatation for pets
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite multiple dilatation procedures, benign esophageal strictures (BES) remain a recurring cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the use of an indwelling Balloon Dilatation esophagostomy tube (B-Tube) for treatment of BES in dogs and cats. ANIMALS: Nine dogs and 3 cats. METHODS: Animals with BES were recruited for our prospective study. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus and balloon dilatation were performed under general anesthesia, followed by placement of an indwelling B-Tube. The animals' owners performed twice daily at-home inflations for approximately 6 weeks. Repeat endoscopy was performed before B-Tube removal. Animals were reevaluated for changes in modified dysphagia score (MDS) after B-Tube removal. RESULTS: The B-Tube management was relatively well tolerated and effective in maintaining dilatation of a BES while in place. These animals underwent a median of 2 anesthetic episodes and were monitored for a median of 472 days (range, 358-1736 days). The mean MDS before treatment was 3.1 ± 0.5/4.0 and final follow-up MDS were significantly (P < .0001) improved at 0.36 ± 0.65/4.0. Eleven of 12 animals (91.7%) had improved MDS at the end of the follow-up period, with 8/12 (66.7%) having an MDS of 0/4, 2/12 (16.7%) an MDS of 1/4, and 1/12 (8.3%) an MDS of 2/4. One dog died. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The B-Tube offers an effective, and more economical method, and often decreased anesthetic time to repeated balloon dilatation procedures for the treatment of BES in dogs and cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29460330/