Esophagotomy in a domestic fowl: a rare case report

Foreign body in esophagus in birds is rarely reported in literature. Most common site of foreign body in birds is proventriculus and ventriculus. The purpose of this study is to discuss the diagnosis of a large sharp foreign body in the distal third of the neck by plain radiography and its retrieval through esophagotomy and subsequent survival of the fowl. Case description: An Aseel breed of domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) was referred to the surgery department with a history of swelling in the neck and subsequent anorexia since 24 h, but normal water intake. Radiological examination revealed a large fish bone in esophagus. Because of the sharp edges of the foreign body esophagotomy was performed rather than per os (po) retrieval or milking of the foreign body into the crop and performing an ingluviotomy.

Findings/treatment and outcome:

Esophagotomy was performed under local infiltration using a diluted solution of lignocaine. Fish bone pieces were retrieved from the esophagus of the fowl. The esophagotomy incision was closed in two layers using polyglactin 910 no: 3-0. Postoperatively, the owner was advised to administer Enrofloxacin po at 10 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for seven days and Tramadol (10 mg/kg BW, BID) for three days in water. This case was followed up for 8 months. There were no complications noticed by the owner.

It could be concluded that prompt intervention and surgical management may be necessary for retrieval of sharp esophageal foreign bodies lodged in the distal cervical esophagus of domestic fowl.