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Journals / Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Volume: 73 Issue: 2

Radiographic, endoscopic, and computed tomography findings in a cat with complete esophageal obstruction caused by doxycycline-induced esophagitis

Zeynep Nurselin Kot(ONDOKUZ MAYIS ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-0631-5471
Ümit Özcan(ONDOKUZ MAYIS UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-0868-6399
Şamil Buğra Köse(ONDOKUZ MAYIS UNIVERSITY)0009-0005-9723-5192
Murat Güzel(ONDOKUZ MAYIS UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-8937-5428
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-01-21
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In conclusion, the presented case highlights the diagnostic value of combined radiography, contrast esophagography, endoscopy, and computed tomography for diagnosing esophageal strictures that develop after oral administration of doxycycline.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This case presents a 2-year-old spayed female cat that developed a complete esophageal stricture following 14 days of oral dry doxycycline therapy.
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Key Findings & Data:Direct radiography revealed marked aerophagia in the esophagus, while contrast radiography showed esophageal dilatation at the level of the first thoracic vertebra (T1) and complete stricture preventing the contrast medium from passing into the stomach.
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Conclusion & Impact:In conclusion, the presented case highlights the diagnostic value of combined radiography, contrast esophagography, endoscopy, and computed tomography for diagnosing esophageal strictures that develop after oral administration of doxycycline.
🔬Design:Case Report
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Cat · Complete esophageal obstruction · Computed tomography

Abstract

This case presents a 2-year-old spayed female cat that developed a complete esophageal stricture following 14 days of oral dry doxycycline therapy. Following treatment, the patient developed symptoms of regurgitation, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Direct radiography revealed marked aerophagia in the esophagus, while contrast radiography showed esophageal dilatation at the level of the first thoracic vertebra (T1) and complete stricture preventing the contrast medium from passing into the stomach. Endoscopic examination verified a complete stricture in the middle esophagus, and computed tomography (CT) revealed that the stricture was localized at T1; no extraluminal mass or vascular ring anomaly was identified. The absence of a history of anesthesia, foreign body ingestion, or trauma in the medical history confirms that the stricture developed due to chemical damage to the esophageal mucosa caused by doxycycline in capsule form. Reports in the literature indicate that administering doxycycline capsules to cats without adequate fluids increases the risk of esophageal ulceration and scarring. Unfortunately, because of the poor prognosis of the complete stricture in the patient, the patient's poor general condition, and the owner's reluctance to pursue treatment, the decision was made to euthanize the patient. In conclusion, the presented case highlights the diagnostic value of combined radiography, contrast esophagography, endoscopy, and computed tomography for diagnosing esophageal strictures that develop after oral administration of doxycycline. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the pharmaceutical formulation and administration technique for oral drug delivery to cats to prevent potential complications.

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Cite This Article

Kot, Z. N., Özcan, Ü., Köse, Ş. B., Güzel, M. (2026). Radiographic, endoscopic, and computed tomography findings in a cat with complete esophageal obstruction caused by doxycycline-induced esophagitis. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, Volume: 73 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.33988/auvfd.1767014

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