Owner of dog with esophageal strictures discusses diagnosis, treatment, and recovery

"Dixie" is a 4 ½ year-old spayed female Rottweiler who was originally presented to the emergency service of the Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, University of Montreal, for signs of retching, regurgitation, weight loss, and bloating of the stomach.
She was ultimately diagnosed with two esophageal strictures, as well as gastric dilation and volvulus. The esophageal strictures developed secondary to an esophagitis which occurred following an episode of regurgitation during general anesthesia while undergoing a surgical procedure a few weeks previously.
"Dixie" underwent a surgery called gastropexy where a gastric (stomach) tube was placed in order to feed "Dixie". Balloon dilation of the esophagus was attempted on six occasions, however, the affected areas would restricture within a week of each procedure despite feeding her a liquid diet and administering numerous medications. Two biodegradable esophageal stents (prosthetic device) were placed in an attempt to keep the esophagus open and prevent it from retricturing, however, these failed as well. A permanent esophageal stent was placed in the Fall 2008 and "Dixie" has been doing well since. She is now able to eat kibble and she is bright and alert and extremely active. Although she will likely require certain medications for the remainder of her life, "Dixie" and Mrs. Desjardins have regained an excellent quality of life.
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[@hardcandy7112]

I'm glad you people save her life .

[@brittneynospears8521]

My dog is suffering from this right now and I need help it’s so stressful

[@AT-nx2dx]

mine might be as well. In my prayers

[@brittneynospears8521]

@@AT-nx2dx ok so today she went under anesthesia for the Endoscopy. The looked to see the blockage. And true enough. It was there. They opened her esophagus back up with a ballon catheter. She ate for the first time today without regurgitation. I paid so much money on Drs appointments and they never could figure out what was wrong with her. She is very happy and chill all the time. It was just everytime she ate she would throw right after. Google helped me find her diagnosis. Thank god lol

[@dornhub99]

@@brittneynospears8521 so happy to hear it worked for you. I have finally finished the lengthy and expensive phase of figuring out that it is a stricture. I knew it was that immediately but didn't know the term for it or how to explain it to the Dr. I kept saying that it was some kind of mechanical blockage when trying to swallow. Once you figured it out, how many surgeries or catheter balloonings did it take?