Severe oesophageal stricture after sedation with xylazine and endoscopic management in a cat.

Abstract

Case summary: An 18-month-old castrated domestic shorthair cat was presented to the veterinarian for regurgitation after solid food consumption, 3 days after sedation with xylazine for diagnostic evaluation of chronic upper respiratory disease. Treatment with antibiotics, sucralfate and metoclopramide by the referring veterinarian did not lead to any clinical improvement. Oesophagoscopy 3 weeks after initial sedation with xylazine revealed an oesophageal stricture, which, based on history and after excluding other potential causes, was attributed to oesophagitis resulting from gastro-oesophageal reflux during sedation. The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux in cats under general anaesthesia is in the range of 12-33%; however, the condition has been less studied in this species compared with dogs. The cat in this report underwent several successful balloon dilatation sessions, which corrected the stricture. The cat remains asymptomatic 1 year later.

Relevance and novel information: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of oesophageal stricture formation after a single xylazine administration in cats. This case highlights the importance of considering gastro-oesophageal reflux and subsequent oesophagitis as a potential complication of sedation and anaesthesia in cats, and the need for prompt diagnosis and management to prevent oesophageal strictures.