Diverticulum and fistula of the lower cervical esophagus in a horse.

Abstract Esophageal diverticulum and perforation were diagnosed in a horse. The condition was characterized clinically by dysphagia, polypnea, diffuse swelling of the ventral aspect of neck and cutaneous fistula. Endoscopic examination revealed the presence of food material in the guttural pouch. A barium sulfate esophagram was performed to outline the diverticulum. Exploratory surgery confirmed esophageal perforation and entrapment of food material between the muscular planes of the cervical region and the horse was euthanized. At necropsy a food-filled periesophageal tract was found extending from the esophageal rupture to the left guttural pouch.