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===Clinical Signs===
===Clinical Signs===
include:
include:
*regurgitation
*history of foreign body ingestion
*regurgitation (acute onset)
*retching
*salivation
*salivation
*odynophagia
*odynophagia
*food avoidance
*dysphagia
*ptyalism
*ptyalism
*anorexia
*anorexia
*tachypnoea
*leucocytosis
===Diagnostic Imaging===
===Diagnostic Imaging===
Palpation of the cervical oesophagus can occasionally reveal a foreign body but a definitive diagnosis usually requires radiography.
Plain thoracic radiographs reveal oesophageal foreign bodies that are radiodense. Poultry bones or other items that are less radiodense may be more difficult to visualise.
It is important to look for signs of oesophageal perforation such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion and fluid in the mediastinum.
Contrast radiography is rarely necessary but may be used to identify radiolucent foreign objects Contrast agents must be used with caution if there is suspicion of oesophageal perforation.
The oesophagus is generally normal on routine survey radiographs. Signs of aspiration pneumonia may be seen in ventral lung lobes. It can be better differentiated using barium-contrast studies which may show:
The oesophagus is generally normal on routine survey radiographs. Signs of aspiration pneumonia may be seen in ventral lung lobes. It can be better differentiated using barium-contrast studies which may show:
*an irregular mucosal surface
*an irregular mucosal surface