A noninvasive fix for esophageal strictures

A simple, nonsurgical procedure can successfully treat a common aftereffect of choke.

A simple, nonsurgical procedure can be used to successfully treat some esophageal strictures, according to a study from the University of California–Davis.

A horse stretching his neck out.
Esophageal strictures often occur after prolonged episodes of choke.

An esophageal stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus with fibrous scar tissue that often occurs after a severe and prolonged episode of choke. Affected horses have difficulty swallowing, are more prone to recurrent choke and may develop pneumonia if food passes into the trachea0 rather than the esophagus.

Surgery under general anesthesia has previously been used to correct esophageal strictures, but the California clinicians have been treating the condition using a less-invasive technique that requires only standing sedation. In esophageal balloon dilation, a balloon is inserted into the esophagus and inflated at the site of the stricture, creating pressure that gently breaks down the fibrous tissue and widens the opening. Corticosteroids can be administered after the procedure in an attempt to reduce inflammation.

In a retrospective study of nine horses whose strictures were treated with esophageal balloon dilation, the researchers found that five survived to be discharged from the hospital. At the time of the last follow-up, the horses had survived from two to 11 years and three were successfully fed hay-based diets. All of the four horses who did not survive were less than a year old and had concurrent medical problems, such as pneumonia.

Reference:Endoscopic balloon dilation of esophageal strictures in nine horses,” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, July/August 2015

This article first appeared in EQUUS issue #461

Don’t miss out! With the free weekly EQUUS newsletter, you’ll get the latest horse health information delivered right to your in basket! If you’re not already receiving the EQUUS newsletter, click here to sign up. It’s *free*!

CATEGORIES

TAGS

SHARE THIS STORY

Related Posts

COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL88
Do right by your retired horse
COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL87
Tame your horse’s anxiety
COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL86 Winter Care_fnl_Page_1
Get ready for winter!
COVER EQUUS Key 14 Equestrian Vacations_fnl_Page_1
Equestrian vacations

NEWSLETTER

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.