Diagnosis of Esophageal Rupture in a Puppy Using Contrast Radiography Following Parvovirus Infection: A Case Report

Background: Rupture of the esophagus is a rare but potentially lethal disease in dogs, most often the result of severe vomiting. Canine parvovirus (CPV) has been listed as a cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis but is rarely seen as an etiology of esophageal rupture. Methods: A ۶-month-old spayed, mixed-breed female dog was referred with acute respiratory distress (tachypnea, dyspnea) one week after successful treatment of a confirmed CPV infection. Survey thoracic radiographs were included in the initial diagnostic work-up. Secondary to the incriminating radiographic evidence of pneumothorax and pleural effusion, a contrast esophagogram with an iodine-based contrast agent (Iohexol) was performed. Radiographs were taken immediately and five minutes post-administration to screen for potential delayed leak. Results: Survey radiographs revealed widespread pneumothorax, pleural opacity greater than, consistent with effusion, subsegmental lung lobe collapse, and displacement of the heart dorsally. Contrast study showed an esophageal complete-thickness tear. Even though the initial projection had contrast in the esophagus lumen, the delayed projection, five minutes later, showed wide extravasation of contrast material into the thoracic cavity. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of rupture of the esophagus being in the differential diagnosis list for young dogs with acute respiratory distress and a recent history of severe vomiting, e.g., following CPV infection. Delayed contrast radiography is an inexpensive and sensitive presumptive diagnostic tool, that must to be utilized to guide immediate salvage surgery.

کلیدواژه ها:

Esophageal rupture ، Puppy ، Parvovirus ، Contrast radiography ، Pneumothorax