Surgical resolution of an oesophageal duplication cyst causing regurgitation in a domestic shorthair cat

Case summary
An eighteen-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of a six-month period of regurgitation. Contrast radiography indicated an intramural oesophageal structure. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the area retrieved viscous fluid containing high numbers of squamous epithelial cells. Computed tomography disclosed a thin-walled contrast-enhancing structure containing non-enhancing homogenous contents. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed an intramural cystic oesophageal structure which was resected. Histopathological analysis of the resected tissue demonstrated an intramural oesophageal duplication cyst. A twelve-month follow up period has seen complete resolution of the cat’s clinical signs.

Relevance and novel information
This is the first report of successful oesophageal duplication cyst removal in a cat. Oesophageal duplication cysts should be included on the differential list for dysphagia and regurgitation in cats. Complete surgical removal in this cat carried a good long term outcome.