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Essophageal Foreign Bodies Essay

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Esophageal foreign bodies are a fairly common emergency in dogs. They are a life-threatening type of obstruction and immediate veterinary attention is necessary for the best outcome. The esophagus is a thin sheet of muscle located within the thorax that connects the mouth to the stomach and aids in pushing food and water down into the stomach. Esophageal foreign bodies are seen more often in dogs than in cats. Symptoms of an esophageal foreign body include but are not limited to the following: exaggerated swallowing, drooling, pawing at the mouth and/or neck, vomiting, anorexia, gagging, coughing, and agitation. These foreign bodies seem to have a tendency to get lodged in two locations in the esophagus: near the base of the heart or in the …show more content…

Sometimes surgical foreign body removal is necessary. Quick endoscopic retrieval generally results in a lesser degree of damage to the esophagus. Damage to the esophagus is variable based on the size, shape, and texture of the foreign body, as well as the duration of time at which the foreign body is in the esophagus. The longer the foreign body stays in the esophagus, the more pressure necrosis (i.e., cell death) it causes to the thin muscular wall of the esophagus. Stricture formation is a common complication post removal of esophageal foreign bodies. Strictures form when the damaged tissue of the esophagus forms excessive scar tissue. The tightening of scar tissue is so great that it prevents the passing of food through the esophagus. Stricture formation can be later addressed by a balloon device inserted into the area to gradually stretch the tissue. Endoscopic foreign body removal also has the benefit of being able to visualize the damage or lack thereof to the esophagus. By visualizing the damage to the esophagus, a decision can be made as to whether or not the patient will need a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy) tube installed. An esophageal foreign body can result in severe complications such

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