Videofluoroscopy, CT angiography, and ultrasonography of congenital esophageal stenosis in a Labrador retriever

A 7-week-old Labrador retriever presented for further investigation into acute onset regurgitation, following weaning from liquid to solid food. A videofluoroscopic swallow study demonstrated a severe, focal esophageal dilation in the mid-cervical region, with marked luminal narrowing distally. Computed tomography with angiography revealed esophageal stenosis, extending from C4–T2, secondary to circumferential esophageal wall thickening. With the concern for development of secondary aspiration pneumonia, the owners elected to euthanize the dog and consented to postmortem examination. A diagnosis of segmental, cervical esophageal muscular hypertrophy was made on necropsy, consistent with the fibromuscular thickening type of congenital esophageal stenosis reported in humans.