La endoscopía y el diagnóstico de los trastornos de la deglución en gatos. Estudio retrospectivo

Abstract

We present a retrospective study of endoscopies performed in cats with swallowing disorders and a review of the subject. Materials and Methods. All cats referred to the Department of Endoscopy for swallowing disorders between 2006 and 2010, were identified. The following data were analyzed: age, sex, race, associated clinical signs, course and endoscopic findings. Results. Out of 78 endoscopies performed in cats, we analyzed those in which dysphagia / regurgitation was the reason for referral. 45% of them (35/78) were upper gastrointestinal endoscopies and swallowing disorders was observed in 34% of them (12/35). Endoscopic findings were: stomatitis 8%, mass in oropharynx 17%, foreign bodies 17%, tonsillitis 8%, esophageal stricture 17%, esophagitis 17%, unremarkable 17%. In 34% of the cases, the endoscopy was diagnostic and therapeutic. Discussion and conclusions. In 75% of the cases, changes were found. This would indicate that the endoscopy is essential for the recognition of lesions in patients presenting these signs. Moreover, in 34% of the cases, endoscopy had a diagnostic function as well as a therapeutic one, thus preventing the patient from suffering and undergoing long-term treatments.