Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction in Dogs: Case Report of Bone Impaction with Successful Endoscopic Removal

Background: Esophageal foreign bodies are a common gastrointestinal emergency in dogs, and bone is consistently reported as the most frequent material implicated. Impaction can produce a spectrum of clinical presentations from acute complete obstruction to chronic intermittent signs, and prolonged presence increases the risk of esophagitis, mucosal injury, perforation and subsequent stricture formation. Early radiographic evaluation combined with diagnostic/therapeutic endoscopy is recommended because endoscopic removal is minimally invasive and has high success rates in many series. Methods: A ۴-year-old male dog was referred for lethargy and inappetence with a history of intermittent regurgitation and ptyalism for several weeks. Thoracic and cervical radiographs identified a radiopaque bone lodged in the proximal esophagus; the blunt contour of the fragment likely produced partial rather than complete obstruction, accounting for the chronic, mild clinical course. Endoscopic evaluation under general anaesthesia allowed direct visualisation of the mucosa and retrieval of the bone using appropriate grasping forceps. As in wax and wane presentations often seen with esophageal foreign bodies, this case underlines how subtle, intermittent signs can reflect significant pathology. Results: Endoscopic extraction was successful and the patient recovered without immediate complications. Supportive care (analgesia, short‐course antibiotics when indicated, and dietary modification) was provided. On follow-up there was no clinical evidence of persistent regurgitation, clinically‐significant stricture, or aspiration pneumonia. Data from retrospective studies indicate endoscopic success rates commonly range from approximately ۶۵% up to nearly ۹۰% depending on case selection, duration of impaction, and foreign body characteristics. Conclusion: This case underscores that even blunt esophageal bone fragments can cause subtle, long-standing signs rather than acute obstruction. Early imaging and endoscopic removal remain key to achieving a safe, minimally invasive outcome while preventing serious complications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Canine esophageal foreign body ، Bone impaction ، Endoscopic extraction ، Foreign body-induced esophagitis ، Veterinary minimally invasive intervention