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==Introduction==

==Description==

Although many foreign objects are regurgitated from or transported through the gastrointestinal tract, those that are too large or have sharp points may remain lodged in the oesophagus and cause mechanical obstructions. Foreign bodies that become lodged in the oesophagus often have sharp points and include bones, fish hooks, needles, sticks and toys.  The most common foreign bodies found in dogs are bones and bone fragments, particularly pieces of lamb vertebrae.  In cats, toys are the most common objects to become lodged.   

Although many foreign objects are regurgitated from or transported through the gastrointestinal tract, those that are too large or have sharp points may remain lodged in the oesophagus and cause mechanical obstructions. Foreign bodies that become lodged in the oesophagus often have sharp points and include bones, fish hooks, needles, sticks and toys.  The most common foreign bodies found in dogs are bones and bone fragments, particularly pieces of lamb vertebrae.  In cats, toys are the most common objects to become lodged.   

Oesophageal foreign bodies should be removed promptly to reduce the extent of mucosal damage, ulceration, perforation and subsequent stricture formation.   

Oesophageal foreign bodies should be removed promptly to reduce the extent of mucosal damage, ulceration, perforation and subsequent stricture formation.   

'''Endoscopic removal''' with grasping forceps is the method of choice for removing foreign bodies unless the object is too firmly lodged to pull free or radiographs of the chest suggest that the oesophagus has been perforated.  If the object too large to be safely removed through the mouth, it may be possible to push it into the stomach and remove it surgically via a gastrotomy.

'''Endoscopic removal''' with grasping forceps is the method of choice for removing foreign bodies unless the object is too firmly lodged to pull free or radiographs of the chest suggest that the oesophagus has been perforated.  If the object is too large to be safely removed through the mouth, it may be possible to push it into the stomach and remove it surgically via a gastrotomy.

If endoscopic removal is not possible, the foreign must be removed surgically.  The approach used depends on the exact location of the object.  In the '''cervical oesophagus''', a ventral midline cervical approach is made and the trachea is retracted to the right to expose the oesophagus but in the '''thoracic oesophagus''', a lateral (intercostal) thoracotomy or median sternotomy is performed.  As the chest cavity is entered in either approach, the patient must be ventilated.  In the '''abdominal oesophagus''', a ventral midline coeliotomy is performed.

If endoscopic removal is not possible, the foreign must be removed surgically.  The approach used depends on the exact location of the object.  In the '''cervical oesophagus''', a ventral midline cervical approach is made and the trachea is retracted to the right to expose the oesophagus but in the '''thoracic oesophagus''', a lateral (intercostal) thoracotomy or median sternotomy is performed.  As the chest cavity is entered in either approach, the patient must be ventilated.  In the '''abdominal oesophagus''', a ventral midline coeliotomy is performed.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Animals with oesophageal foreign bodies without perforation carry a good prognosis. Those with oesophageal perforation carry a guarded prognosis depending on the degree of thoracic contamination.  Surgical removal of foreign bodies is associated with more adverse effects than endoscopic removal.

Animals with oesophageal foreign bodies without perforation carry a good prognosis. Those with oesophageal perforation carry a guarded prognosis depending on the degree of thoracic contamination.  Surgical removal of foreign bodies is associated with more adverse effects than endoscopic removal.

==References==

==References==

*Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''

*Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''

*Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual'''

*Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual'''''Merial

*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.

*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.

[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]]

[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_James]]

[[Category:Expert_Review - Small Animal]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Oesophageal Diseases - Dog]][[Category:Oesophageal Diseases - Cat]]