Introduction

Esophageal diverticula are uncommon disorders in dogs, which may be classified as congenital or acquired.

Objectives

To describe esophageal diverticulum in a 4.6 months of age, 17 kg, female German shepherd dog.

Methods

The dog was admitted due to episodes of emesis, apathy, and nasal and ocular discharge for 3 days. The owner suspected foreign body ingestion.

Physical examination revealed hyperthermia and harsh lung sounds were heard. Survey radiography of the thorax radiographs showed a gas-filled, large circular dilation (10.2x8.2 cm) located in the cranial mediastinum, esophagus filled with gas, and alveolar pattern compatible with aspiration pneumonia. A contrast radiographic study and computed tomography revealed esophageal diverticulum in cranial region of the thorax and mild megaesophagus along the thoracic esophagus. Esophageal endoscopy also confirmed the diverticulum, but mucosal surface had no abnormality. Left intercostal thoracotomy at the second space was conducted under general anesthesia. The diverticulum was identified, the diverticular pouch was resected, and restoration of the esophageal wall was done by manual two-layer closure.

Results

A contrast radiographic examination performed 10 days after surgery showed no signs of suture-line leak, but a cranial residual portion of the diverticulum was present. A gastrostomy feeding tube was maintained during this postoperative period. The animal recovered without complications, and the clinical signs of dysphagia and pneumonia had ceased. Two months after surgery, contrast radiographic examination showed improvement of the megaesophagus. However, the owner was instructed to feed the dog in an elevated position.

Conclusions

Probably this esophageal diverticulum was associated with esophagus weakness.