Probable congenital esophageal stenosis in a thoroughbred foal.

Abstract

Esophageal stenosis was diagnosed in a 7-day-old Thoroughbred foal referred for evaluation of bilateral milky nasal discharge. Double-contrast radiography revealed concentric narrowing of the esophagus at the level of the fifth rib, overlying the base of the heart. Lateral displacement of the esophagus was not apparent. X-ray computed tomography of the cranial portion of the thorax confirmed normal cardiac and great vessel anatomy, ruling out vascular ring anomaly. A nasogastric tube was placed, extending past the stenosis and into the stomach, and the foal was fed mares' milk via this tube. On day 14, the foal was allowed to nurse the mare hourly and was made to stand, with the cranial half of its body elevated for 5 minutes after each feeding. On day 19, the foal was allowed to nurse ad libitum and eat hay and grain with the mare. Signs of regurgitation and aspiration were not apparent. On day 29, the foal was discharged to the owner.