Retrospective Study on Radiographic Diagnosis of Esophageal Foreign Bodies in Dogs

Abstract

Obstruction caused by esophageal foreign bodies is a common condition in dogs, usually due to dietary indiscretion. The aim of the study was the clinical and imaging description of a series of dogs with esophageal foreign bodies. This study included 11 dogs of various breeds, ages and both sexes that showed signs compatible with esophageal obstruction. The imaging examination revealed the presence of foreign bodies (represented by bones and metal objects) in different segments of the esophagus, including both the cervical segment (2 cases) and intrathoracic segment (9 cases). Given the consequences of the presence of foreign bodies in the esophagus, the imaging examination represent the main tool in determining the location of the foreign body for therapeutic management.