Esophageal transit of capsules in clinically normal cats

Objective-To evaluate the esophageal passage of capsules in clinically norm al cats and determine the incidence of prolonged transit or entrapment. Animals-12 clinically normal adult cats. Procedure-Esophageal transit of barium sulfate-filled capsules was evaluate d fluoroscopically. Each cat was examined 3 times (36 examinations). Esopha geal transit times were classified as normal (less than or equal to 30 seco nds) or prolonged (> 30 but less than or equal to 240 seconds). Capsules we re considered entrapped when transit times were > 240 seconds, Results-Transit times were normal in 10 of the 36 (27.8%) examinations, whe reas times were pro; longed in 7 (19.4%) examinations. Capsules became entr apped in the midcervical region of the esophagus during 19 (52.8%) examinat ions. Following termination of each examination, cats with entrapped capsul es were fed a small amount (0.5 to 1 ounce) of food; this resulted in passa ge of the capsule to the stomach. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-The possibility of medication-induced es ophagitis should be considered when orally administering ulcerogenic drugs to cats. It is recommended that a small volume of food be given following m edications to ensure complete esophageal clearance.