Introduction
- Esophageal disease is rare in the cat but direct examination assists diagnosis.
Uses
- Examination of the esophageal mucosal surface.
- Collection of mucosal biopsy samples from the esophagus.
- Detection
and retrieval of foreign bodies 
from the esophagus. - Esophageal stricture dilatation .
- Detection/biopsy of esophageal masses.
- Definitive diagnosis of esophagitis .
- Investigation of:
- Retching.
- Regurgitation .
- Hypersalivation.
- Anorexia.
Advantages
- Non invasive technique requiring no surgical intervention.
- Well tolerated by sick cats which would be unsuitable for esophagostomy .
- Requires only light general anesthesia - rapid recovery.
- Good visualization of the esophageal mucosa.
- Follow up examination well tolerated and useful for to assessing response to treatment.
Disadvantages
- Will not detect pathology lying under the mucosa.
- Cannot carry out surgical correction compared with thoracotomy.
- Expensive equipment.
Requirements
Materials required
Minimum equipment
- Fully immersible fiber optic flexible or rigid (for foreign body retrieval) endoscope.
- One meter insertion tube length.
- Insertion tube diameter 7-9 mm.
- ONLY use an end viewing endoscope.
- Four way tip deflection.
- MUST have cold light source with air pump and water wash facility.
- Fenestrated biopsy forceps for collection of mucosal biopsy samples.
- Cleaning brushes for biopsy channels.
- Water leakage tester.
Ideal equipment
- Video endoscope:
- Excellent magnified image presented on screen.
- Detection of lesions much easier.
- Allows for multiple person viewing.
- Excellent for recording procedures and/or collecting still images.
- Excellent as a training aid.
- Xenon light source.
- Insertion tube diameter 6-8 mm.
- Suction unit for aspiration of unwanted gastrointestinal secretions.
- Cytology brushes, grasping forceps and balloon catheters.
- More than one endoscope for examination of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Endoscope cleaning cart and sterilization unit.
- Ultrasonic cleaner for biopsy forceps.
Minimum consumables
- Clean water.
- Endoscope disinfectants.
- Household detergent.
- Formal saline, card and containers for preservation of biopsy samples.
Other requirements
Care and maintenance- Storage of endoscopes:
- ALWAYS store endoscopes in a safe location where accidental knocks can be avoided.
- ALWAYS store endoscopes with insertion tube hanging vertically in a well ventilated area.
- Do NOT store endoscopes in their carrying case.
- See supplier for further details of endoscope 'hangers'.
- Cleaning and disinfection :
- Follow the manufacturers recommendations at all times.
- Use an endoscope cleaning bath wherever possible.
- Use whatever cleaning solution and disinfectant the manufacturer recommends.
- Follow health and safety rules regarding use of these products.
Preparation
- Induction of anesthesia and/or sedation → 10-30 min.
Sources
Publications
- Michels G M et al (1995) Endoscopic and surgical retrieval of fishhooks from the stomach and esophagus in dogs and cats - 75 cases (1977-1993). JAVMA 207 (9), 1194-1197.
- Kundrotas L W et al (1995) Felinization of the esophagus. Gastrointest Endosc 42 (1), 37-40.
