Page 509 - Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine

48 Gastrointestinal Imaging 477

(a) (b)
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Figure 48.5 Dorsoventral (a) and right lateral (b) radiographs of the thorax of a young dog with a persistent right aortic arch and left
ligamentum arteriosum confirmed at surgery. The esophagus cranial to the base of the heart is dilated (esophageal diverticulum), which
is noticeable as a soft tissue attenuating structure within the cranial mediastinum, displacing the trachea (arrows) to the right and mildly
ventrally (arrowhead). A small amount of mineral attenuating material is noted in the dilated aspect of the esophagus. Mild narrowing of
the trachea is noted in the deviated segment.

(a) (b)

Figure 48.6 Esophageal perforation with secondary mediastinitis and pleuritis in a dog secondary to esophageal foreign body caused by
swallowing a hoof dog treat. Dorsoventral (a) and right lateral (b) thoracic radiographs. Pleural fluid (arrow) and mediastinal fluid and gas
(arrowheads) is present. The borders of the esophagus are indistinct.
Esophageal foreign bodies may be radiopaque and gus might provide additional information. If perfora­
easily visualized (Figure 48.7) or soft tissue opacity and tion of the esophagus is suspected, small quantities
difficult to identify. Sometimes gas within the esopha­ of water‐soluble contrast agent should be used to dem­
geal lumen might help in outlining the foreign body. A onstrate the esophageal wall defect instead of barium
negative or positive contrast agent study of the esopha­ sulfate suspension.