Case Study

Foreign body in a 10 month old FS dog

A 10-month-old FS dog was presented for anorexia and possible ingestion of a foreign body. No abnormalities were noted on the physical exam. CBC found an elevated hemoglobin concentration, as well as a leukocytosis due to a neutrophilia and monocytosis. Blood chemistry revealed hyperproteinemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypochloremia. The T4 was within normal reference range.

A 10-month-old FS dog was presented for anorexia and possible ingestion of a foreign body. No abnormalities were noted on the physical exam. CBC found an elevated hemoglobin concentration, as well as a leukocytosis due to a neutrophilia and monocytosis. Blood chemistry revealed hyperproteinemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypochloremia. The T4 was within normal reference range.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Distal small intestinal foreign bodies with obstruction.

Image Interpretation

The stomach in this patient was dilated and an obstructive pattern was noted. Three separate shadowing foreign bodies were noted in the mid to distal small intestine as it approached the ileocecal valve.

DX

Foreign body

Outcome

Patient underwent exploratory surgery and 3 marbles were retrieved. Patient recovered well post-operatively.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

Foreign body, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal parasitism, intussusception, abscess – less likely, neoplasia (lymphoma, leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, mast cell tumor, adenocarcinoma)