Prospective evaluation of an indwelling esophageal balloon dilatation feeding tube for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats

Abstract

Background: Despite multiple dilatation procedures, benign esophageal strictures (BES) remain a recurring cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats. Objective: Investigate the use of an indwelling Balloon Dilatation esophagostomy tube (B-Tube) for treatment of BES in dogs and cats. Animals: Nine dogs and 3 cats. Methods: Animals with BES were recruited for our prospective study. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus and balloon dilatation were performed under general anesthesia, followed by placement of an indwelling B-Tube. The animals' owners performed twice daily at-home inflations for approximately 6 weeks. Repeat endoscopy was performed before B-Tube removal. Animals were reevaluated for changes in modified dysphagia score (MDS) after B-Tube removal. Results: The B-Tube management was relatively well tolerated and effective in maintaining dilatation of a BES while in place. These animals underwent a median of 2 anesthetic episodes and were monitored for a median of 472 days (range, 358-1736 days). The mean MDS before treatment was 3.1 ± 0.5/4.0 and final follow-up MDS were significantly (P