What is an oesophageal foreign body?
This occurs when an object becomes stuck within the oesophagus after being swallowed. This usually involves a reasonably large object and they most commonly become stuck within the mid oesophagus – which narrows as it passes over the heart and under the aorta. We’ve found the most common material to become stuck is a large piece of bone that the dog has eaten.
Symptoms
These obstructions are generally only partial obstructions, which means fluids can still be swallowed whilst the dog is drinking. However, whenever your pet eats, the food will usually be regurgitated back up undigested quite soon after eating. Your dog may also be seen swallowing repeatedly as they attempt to move the foreign body along the oesophagus.
Diagnosis methods
We use a simple x-ray of the chest to diagnose an oesophageal foreign body.
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Treatment options
Oesophageal foreign bodies can be difficult to treat. In the majority of cases, we will enter the stomach via the abdomen and are then able to feel for the foreign object with our fingers. Gentle pressure is applied via a gastric tube. We move and manipulate the oesophagus over the object, allowing it to pass into the stomach. Once there, we can remove the item and close the stomach. By using this method, we can avoid direct surgery of the oesophagus.
Treatment cost
At Brisbane Pet Surgery, we charge between $1,600 - $2,100 for this procedure, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the time spent in hospital. If this were done at a referral centre, owners can expect to pay between $4,000 - $5,000, as well as additional costs for time spend over night at the centre.
Optional pre-anaesthetic blood test available for all surgeries (additional cost)
Recovery and aftercare
We generally send your pet home the day after surgery, with pain relief and antibiotics, as well as antacids and gastric protectants which reduce complications like scarring on the oesophagus. Your pet should be fed a liquid diet for several days, before moving back to moist food and then to their standard diet over one to two weeks.
Bella, Labrador, 7 Years old - After surgery
Gallery
Bella, Labrador, 7 Years old
Since childhood, Dr. Plummer has been passionate about caring for animals, and graduated with Honours in a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland. He opened the Brisbane Pet Surgery with the aim of making quality pet care affordable for everyone.
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