Emergency Guide: How to Handle Dog Esophageal Obstructi

【Causes of Canine Esophageal Obstruction】

Esophageal obstruction in dogs can be categorized into primary and secondary causes. Primary esophageal obstruction often occurs when dogs are eating in a group and ingest chunks of food that are not properly chewed, such as tendons, cartilage, or bones, which then become lodged in the esophagus. Puppies are particularly prone to this condition due to their playful nature, often swallowing items like bottle caps, coal pieces, or small stones by accident.

Secondary esophageal obstruction is more common and can result from conditions like esophageal paralysis, narrowing, or dilation. It can also be caused by increased central nervous system excitability, leading to esophageal spasm and obstruction during eating.

【Symptoms of Canine Esophageal Obstruction】

Esophageal obstruction typically occurs suddenly during eating. Dogs may appear anxious and restless, with their heads and necks extended as they attempt to swallow. They may exhibit signs like drooling excessively, opening their mouths, and tongue protrusion. In severe cases, they might even regurgitate from their nostrils. The esophageal and neck muscles' contractions can trigger a reflexive cough, with copious saliva being expelled from the mouth and nose, and the dog may breathe rapidly and appear extremely distressed. Although these symptoms may temporarily subside, they can recur. In cases of incomplete obstruction, the dog may show mild restlessness and eat slowly, with only fluids being able to pass through while solid food is regurgitated. In complete obstruction, the dog becomes highly agitated, refuses to eat, and may salivate excessively, along with gagging and vomiting. The dog may immediately vomit after eating, sometimes expelling frothy mucus or blood. They may cough, want to drink water, but be unable to eat. If not treated promptly, the obstruction can lead to local inflammation and necrosis.

【Prevention and Treatment of Canine Esophageal Obstruction】

(1) For incomplete obstructions, a trial of apomorphine, a 3milligram subcutaneous injection, may be used to induce vomiting and expel the foreign object from the esophagus. If the blockage is near the throat, gently pushing on the neck skin outward may help dislodge the object. Alternatively, a foreign body forceps or esophagoscope can be used to remove it, if available.

(2) For smaller, smooth foreign objects, a stomach tube can be used to push the object into the stomach.

(3) For foreign objects in the chest esophagus, which are difficult to remove through the mouth, an abdominal surgery may be necessary to attempt to pull the object out from the stomach side.

(4) After the foreign object is removed, antibiotics should be administered to prevent secondary infections. Postoperative care includes a period of fasting for 3 to 5 days, followed by nutritional therapy, which may include intravenous glucose, amino acids, and antibiotics. After 5 days, the dog can be fed with liquid foods like milk or fish broth, gradually transitioning back to a normal diet.