A multimodal diagnostic imaging approach to primary oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog

A 7-year-old male, neutered toy poodle, presented at the Companion Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Utrecht University due to progressive weight loss, dysphagia and regurgitation. Physical and blood examinations revealed a low body condition score and mildly decreased serum folate concentration. A widened, fluid-filled caudal oesophagus with a thickened wall was noted during abdominal ultrasound. Hence, thoracic radiographs and a video fluoroscopic swallow study for further oesophageal evaluation were obtained, revealing a rounded, moderately defined soft tissue opacity in the mid-caudal mediastinum. As a caudal oesophageal mass lesion, such as a granuloma or neoplasia, was suspected, a computed tomography examination and esophagoscopy with tru-cut biopsies were performed to evaluate the extent of the lesion and possible surgical options. These confirmed the caudal oesophageal wall mass lesion. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. This report sheds light on the diagnostic imaging features of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog.