Esophageal disease is reported as uncommon in cats, though there have been few studies to document its frequency. The goal of this retrospective study was to characterize the frequency, presentation, diagnostic means, treatment and outcome of the disorder in cats. Thirty-three of 2,894 cases (approximately 1 %) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Regurgitation and/or vomiting were the most common presenting clinical signs, reported in 27 of 33 cats. Anorexia and weight loss were non-specific signs also noted. Some of the cats referred for perceived vomiting were subsequently discovered to have regurgitation. This finding highlights the importance and difficulty of trying to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation to aid localization of the problem. Plain radiography is relatively insensitive for esophageal disease and a number of additional diagnostics may be required. A definitive diagnosis was made in 32 of 33 cases, making idiopathic esophageal dysfunction very rare. Recent oral medication (e.g., doxycycline, clindamycin) was the most common cause of esophageal strictures. Therefore, the careful administration of certain oral antibiotics is important. Treatment and outcome of esophageal disease is highly variable. [VT]
Related articles:
Beatty, J.A., et al., Suspected clindamycin-associated oesophageal injury in cats: five cases. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(6): p. 412-9.
German, A.J., et al., Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2005. 7(1): p. 33-41.
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Frowde, P.E., et al., Oesophageal disease in 33 cats. Journal of feline medicine & surgery, 2011. 13(8): p. 564-569.
Esophageal disease is reported as uncommon in cats, though there have been few studies to document its frequency. The goal of this retrospective study was to characterize the frequency, presentation, diagnostic means, treatment and outcome of the disorder in cats. Thirty-three of 2,894 cases (approximately 1 %) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Regurgitation and/or vomiting were the most common presenting clinical signs, reported in 27 of 33 cats. Anorexia and weight loss were non-specific signs also noted. Some of the cats referred for perceived vomiting were subsequently discovered to have regurgitation. This finding highlights the importance and difficulty of trying to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation to aid localization of the problem. Plain radiography is relatively insensitive for esophageal disease and a number of additional diagnostics may be required. A definitive diagnosis was made in 32 of 33 cases, making idiopathic esophageal dysfunction very rare. Recent oral medication (e.g., doxycycline, clindamycin) was the most common cause of esophageal strictures. Therefore, the careful administration of certain oral antibiotics is important. Treatment and outcome of esophageal disease is highly variable. [VT]
Related articles:
Beatty, J.A., et al., Suspected clindamycin-associated oesophageal injury in cats: five cases. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(6): p. 412-9.
German, A.J., et al., Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2005. 7(1): p. 33-41.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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Esophageal disease is reported as uncommon in cats, though there have been few studies to document its frequency. The goal of this retrospective study was to characterize the frequency, presentation, diagnostic means, treatment and outcome of the disorder in cats. Thirty-three of 2,894 cases (approximately 1 %) met the inclusion criteria for the study. Regurgitation and/or vomiting were the most common presenting clinical signs, reported in 27 of 33 cats. Anorexia and weight loss were non-specific signs also noted. Some of the cats referred for perceived vomiting were subsequently discovered to have regurgitation. This finding highlights the importance and difficulty of trying to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation to aid localization of the problem. Plain radiography is relatively insensitive for esophageal disease and a number of additional diagnostics may be required. A definitive diagnosis was made in 32 of 33 cases, making idiopathic esophageal dysfunction very rare. Recent oral medication (e.g., doxycycline, clindamycin) was the most common cause of esophageal strictures. Therefore, the careful administration of certain oral antibiotics is important. Treatment and outcome of esophageal disease is highly variable. [VT]
Related articles:
Beatty, J.A., et al., Suspected clindamycin-associated oesophageal injury in cats: five cases. J Feline Med Surg, 2006. 8(6): p. 412-9.
German, A.J., et al., Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2005. 7(1): p. 33-41.
More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
