By: Sharon Theisen, DVM, DACVIM
Lady is a 6 yr old F/S Malinois that had a mast cell tumor removed from the mid-lumbar region. The next day, she was reluctant to eat and this progressed to regurgitation. A barium swallow was performed 3 weeks later and a mid esophageal stricture was found. She was referred for an endoscopic exam and balloon dilation. The stricture opening was only 7 mm initially, but we were able to dilate it up to 18 mm with minimal mucosal tearing. She was seen a week later and the stricture was back to about 10 mm, but we dilated it up to 20 mm. She has been doing well since that time. If a dog is regurgitating within 3 weeks of an anesthetic procedure, think about the possibility of stricture and refer early. The sooner they are ballooned, the more successful the outcome.
