Esophageal obstruction in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): a retrospective study of 44 cases (2006?2013)

Authors: MOHAMED MARZOK, Alaa Moustafa, Sabry El-khodery, Kerstin Müller

Abstract: The purposes of this study were to report the types, causes, and clinical findings of esophageal obstructions in water buffaloes and to verify the role of radiography in diagnosis as well as the evaluation of the proposed treatment management and outcome after treatment. Forty-four buffaloes with esophageal obstruction were used in the study. Esophageal obstruction was significantly more frequent in females than males. Buffaloes at 1-3 years of age were significantly more liable to the disease than those of other ages. Complete obstruction was more frequent than partial obstruction. Intraluminal obstruction was more prevalent than extraluminal. Obstruction at the cervical portion was more frequent than those at pharyngeal region and cardia. Radiography was confirmative in 41 buffaloes (93%). Manipulative treatment was successful in 6 buffaloes (13%) and surgical intervention for cervical esophageal obstructions was carried out by exposure of the cervical esophagus (n = 3), cervical esophagatomy (n = 25), or surgical correction of periesophageal cellulitis (n = 2), while surgical treatment of thoracic esophageal obstruction was carried out via laparorumenotomy (n = 8). In conclusion, early diagnosis, proper application of manipulative or surgical interventions, and postoperative follow-up are the fundamental factors for successful outcomes of esophageal obstruction in water buffaloes.

Keywords: Water buffaloes, esophageal obstruction, esophagatomy, periesophageal cellulitis, esophageal exposure

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