Oesophageal and gastric endoscopic foreign body removal: complications and follow‐up of 102 dogs

Objectives : To assess complication rate, risk factors for complications and outcome in dogs with oesophageal and gastric endoscopic foreign body (FB) removal. Methods : Medical records of 102 dogs undergoing endoscopic removal of oesophageal and/or gastric FBs from March 2001 to November 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. All owners were contacted by telephone to provide follow‐up information. Results : West Highland white terriers, Yorkshire terriers and Bernese mountain dogs were over‐represented compared to the hospital population. Endoscopy alone was successful in 92/102 dogs (90·2 per cent), whereas gastrotomy (but no oesophagotomy) was required in 10 dogs (9·8 per cent). Complications in 13/102 dogs (12·7 per cent) were perforation (8), oesophageal stricture (1), oesophageal diverticula (1), perioesophageal abscess (1), pneumothorax and pleural effusion (1) and respiratory arrest (1). Six dogs (all weighing <10 kg) had complications resulting in death or euthanasia. Bone FBs, bodyweight of less than 10 kg, and oesophageal or gastric FB in place for more than three days were significant risk factors for complications. Of the dogs available for follow‐up (75/96), 92 per cent had no complications after discharge. Clinical Significance : Endoscopic FB removal is associated with a low overall complication rate with bone FBs and bodyweight of less than 10 kg as significant risk factors.