10 year old DSH

Discussion

Strictures often cause a chronic partial obstruction of the esophagus. Common causes are gastric reflux under anesthesia, vomiting, foreign bodies and caustic agents. There are reports of doxycycline capsules being retained in the esophagus of cats and causing localized necrosis and eventual scarring with stricture.

Plain radiographs are often normal in these cases, and contrast radiography and fluoroscopy are required. Liquid barium may reveal a stricture with radiography if the timing is correct. Fluoroscopy is ideal to watch the passage of contrast throughout the length of the esophagus. Barium soaked kibble is a good second step after liquid barium, as moderate strictures are often well delineated.