2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Serum 3-BrY concentrations were measured in 18 dogs infected with S. lupi (10 with a benign nodule and 8 with a malignant nodule) and 45 healthy control dogs using electron impact ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare serum 3-BrY concentrations between dogs with S. lupi infection and healthy control dogs. A comparison between the dogs with spirocercosis based on malignancy of the nodule was also made using a Mann-Whitney U test. The significance was set at P < 0.05. In conclusion, serum 3-BrY concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with esophageal infestation with S. lupi. However, serum 3-BrY concentrations were not different between dogs with benign or malignant esophageal nodules. These results suggest that eosinophilic involvement in canine spirocercosis might have been overlooked previously. A limitation of this study was the lack of data on the prevalence of other gastrointestinal parasites. (BES) is an important cause of morbidity. Mechanical dilation may improve dysphagia, however repeated costly treatments are common and few animals regain normal function. The purpose of this study is to determine if the esophageal balloon-dilation feeding tube (EB-DFT) could provide a more effective, single-procedure alternative for the treatment of BES.