Esophageal Strictures and Diverticula

commonly diagnosed esophageal disorder in horses and is often caused by impaction with feed or bedding material.1–3 Although resolution of esophageal impaction is most often achieved conservatively, internal esophageal trauma can cause considerable damage and ulceration of the mucosa.2 Spontaneous healing of mucosal defects with conservative management consisting of administration of antibiotics and NSAIDs as well as feeding of soft feed has been reported.1,4 However, because the healing process is thought to occur mainly by contraction fibrosis,5 stricture formation and significant reduction of the esophageal lumen may result, predisposing the horse to recurrent episodes of obstruction. Esophageal strictures can also be congenital or may occur after external neck trauma, as a sequela of previous esophageal surgery, or after esophageal rupture.1,2 Based on the involvement of the different layers of the esophageal wall and the resultant