Tip of an iceberg: complications of an oesophageal foreign body removal in a dog

A female golden retriever dog was presented for the removal of an oesophageal foreign body. Clinical examination on admission revealed a mild hypovolemia associated with tachypnoea. Radiographic examination of the chest did not reveal any other condition apart from the presence of two oesophageal foreign bodies. The animal was anaesthetised to attempt an endoscopic removal, and after induction of anaesthesia a severe desaturation and difficulties providing manual ventilation were noted. These signs persisted during the entire procedure, and after recovery from anaesthesia a severe aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed. The animal’s condition worsened quickly and required the use of long-term mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. After 3 days of hospitalisation, the animal was euthanased due to the development of an acute respiratory distress syndrome and the lack of clinical improvement.