Radiographic, endoscopic, and computed tomography findings in a cat with complete esophageal obstruction caused by doxycycline-induced esophagitis
Ankara Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi, cilt.73, sa.2, ss.241-246, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 73 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.33988/auvfd.1767014
- Dergi Adı: Ankara Universitesi Veteriner Fakultesi Dergisi
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.241-246
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cat, Complete esophageal obstruction, Computed tomography, Contrast radiography, Doxycycline
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This case presents a 2-year-old spayed female cat that developed a complete esophageal stricture following 14 days of oral dry doxycycline therapy. Following treatment, the patient developed symptoms of regurgitation, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Direct radiography revealed marked aerophagia in the esophagus, while contrast radiography showed esophageal dilatation at the level of the first thoracic vertebra (T1) and complete stricture preventing the contrast medium from passing into the stomach. Endoscopic examination verified a complete stricture in the middle esophagus, and computed tomography (CT) revealed that the stricture was localized at T1; no extraluminal mass or vascular ring anomaly was identified. The absence of a history of anesthesia, foreign body ingestion, or trauma in the medical history confirms that the stricture developed due to chemical damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by doxycycline in capsule form. Reports in the literature indicate that administering doxycycline capsules to cats without adequate fluids increases the risk of esophageal ulceration and scarring. Unfortunately, because of the poor prognosis of the complete stricture in the patient, the patient's poor general condition, and the owner's reluctance to pursue treatment, the decision was made to euthanize the patient. In conclusion, the presented case highlights the diagnostic value of combined radiography, contrast esophagography, endoscopy, and computed tomography for diagnosing esophageal strictures that develop after oral administration of doxycycline. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the pharmaceutical formulation and administration technique for oral drug delivery to cats to prevent potential complications.