Removal of oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs: use of the fluoroscopic method and outcome.

The case records of dogs with a diagnosis of oesophageal foreign body were reviewed and the owners of affected dogs contacted by telephone to ascertain whether there had been any long-term adverse sequelae. Case records of admissions between August 1993 and August 1998 were used. There were 65 admissions for this problem during the period. In 61 instances, forceps manipulation orally under fluoroscopic guidance was attempted to remove the foreign body. This was successful in 51 instances. Animals were followed up for a median of 24 months (minimum of four months). Three animals died or were euthanased in hospital. Two further animals died within two weeks of discharge. In the cases for which follow-up was available, 42 were reported to be normal, one animal had a recurrence, one had a voice change and two had occasional coughing. Fluoroscopic-guided forceps retrieval appears to be an effective method of treatment and long-term complications are uncommon.