Successful Management of Esophageal Foreign Body in a Lhasa Apso puppy: A Simplified Conservative Approach Using Doyen Clamp

Iliya Paul Sambo; Philip John Ahmadu; James Andrew Ababa; Japheth Joel Kalang; Goje Daniel; John Rishi Dantayi

doi:10.5455/JRVS.20250323025727

Abstract
Esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) are a common veterinary emergency that requires prompt management.This case report details the successful management of an EFB in a 2-month-old Lhasa Apso presented to UJ-VTH with intermittent retching and salivation 24 hours after consuming chicken. Radiographic and clinical findings confirmed the presence of a chicken bone with residual flesh. Due to facility constraints and the nature of the EFB, a blind advancement technique using a Doyen clamp was employed. The clamp was used in lieu of the ideal semi-rigid orogastric tube, which was unavailable. The clamp was carefully inserted into the esophagus, and gentle pushing motions advanced the EFB into the thoracic esophagus, where it was propelled into the stomach by peristalsis. Post-procedurally, amoxicillin and piroxicam were administered, and the puppy recovered uneventfully without complications. This report highlights the importance of resourcefulness, providing veterinarians with a valuable alternative approach for managing EFBs in similar settings.

Key words: Esophageal foreign body (EFB), bone, blind advancement into the stomach, Lhasa Apso, Doyen clamp