Surgical management of recurrent oesophageal obstruction in a yearling Saddlebred filly

Summary This case report describes the diagnostic approach and surgical management of a yearling Saddlebred filly with recurrent oesophageal obstruction, likely caused by an acquired extraluminal oesophageal stricture. The filly initially presented with repeated episodes of oesophageal obstruction, which were resolved with sedation and nasogastric intubation. Diagnostic imaging revealed an oesophageal stricture, in addition to squamous gastric ulcer disease and subclinical pneumonia. Briefly, endoscopic balloon dilation was unsuccessful. Surgery was performed to excise extramural tissue constricting the oesophagus. Given the cervical location, external trauma resulting in perioesophageal fibrosis was suspected. Surgical intervention alleviated the stricture and oesophageal obstruction did not recur.