| Abstract: | A case of equine midcervical esophageal obstruction by medicinal boluses is described. A discussion of the physical and endoscopic examination is included. Attempts at medical and manipulative therapy including massage, intraesophageal probing and endoscopically assisted efforts to snare the obstruction were nonrewarding. A standing midcervical esophagotomy was performed to facilitate the removal of the entrapped boluses. A positive contrast esophagram obtained five days after surgery indicated an absence of leakage of contrast media from the lumen of the esophagus. The filly was returned to athletic competition at seven days following surgery. No evidence of dysphagia or esophageal obstruction was reported six months following surgery. In this particular case, a standing midcervical esophagotomy afforded a successful alternative when manipulative and medical therapy proved inadequate. |
