What is Esophageal Balloon Dilation?
Esophageal balloon dilation treats esophageal strictures. These occur when a foreign object becomes stuck in the esophagus and causes it to narrow. They may also be attributed to the slowed peristalsis reaction caused by the administration of general anesthesia. The stricture is the scar tissue left behind on the esophageal lining due to persistent irritation. Dogs with esophageal strictures cannot typically swallow food. Depending on the severity of the stricture, swallowing water may also prove difficult. Esophageal balloon dilation is usually performed over several sessions, especially in cases where multiple strictures are present.