Oesophageal strictures in cats associated with doxycycline therapy

Abstract

Four cases of oesophageal stricture subsequent to doxycycline administration are reported. All cases were young to middle age (median age 3 years; range 1-7 years), and either domestic shorthair or domestic longhair breed. In all cases the predominant clinical sign was regurgitation, which developed at variable times after doxycycline administration. In all cases the reason for doxycycline use was treatment or prophylaxis of suspected infections (Mycoplasma haemofelis, Chlamydophila felis or Bordetella bronchiseptica), and the duration of therapy was variable. In one case the stricture was definitively diagnosed at post mortem examination, in the three other cases, definitive diagnosis was by endoscopy. Balloon dilation was successful in the three cases that were treated. This is the largest case series, to date, of oesophageal disease in cats associated with doxycycline administration. Caution should be exercised when administering oral medication to cats, especially doxycycline, and should be accompanied either by a water or food swallow.

Imaging Evaluation of Dogs and Cats with Dysphagia

“…However, esophageal stricture formation may also occur secondary to foreign bodies [103, 113], ingestion of caustic agents [111, 114], or vomiting/reflux unrelated to anesthesia [115]. Iatrogenic esophageal stricture formation has been linked to administration of doxycycline in cats [116, 117]. Esophageal neoplasms were discussed previously in this paper and may also result in stricture formation [118].…”

Efficacy of Pradofloxacin in Cats with Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease due toChlamydophila felisorMycoplasmaInfections

“…However, both drugs are associated with a variety of adverse effects. Tetracyclines can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, esophageal strictures, and administration to pregnant queens or kittens in the first few months of life should be avoided because of calcium chelate formation in bones and teeth resulting in growth retardation and tooth discoloration 14–16 . Enrofloxacin has been associated with retinal degeneration in cats, especially if used at higher dosages 17 .…”

First Feline Case of Otodectosis in the Republic of Korea and Successful Treatment with Imidacloprid/Moxidectin Topical Solution

“…In cats, there exist many difficulties to administer the drugs via oral route which can cause esophagitis, esophageal stricture, a longer esophageal transit time, and retention in mid-cervical region of the esophagus [20,21]. Topical spot-on drugs has recently been considered as an ideal administration route because it can solve those problems of oral administration and be used without cleaning the ear before administration of the drug or treating the hair coat and living environment [22].…”