Case Study

Jejunal foreign body in a 6 year old MN Labrador Retriever

A 6-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever dog with history of epilepsy was presented for vomiting over 8 times in a 24 hour period, decreased appetite, lethargy, and recent history of ingesting a travel size soap. Physical exam found patient BAR, with a non-painful abdomen, pink mucous membranes, and 7-8% dehydrated. In-house blood chemistry was within normal limits. Lateral and VD radiographs showed excess gas in intestines and a possible mass effect mid-abdomen. A gastroprotectant injection and subcutaneous fluids were administered pending an abdominal ultrasound.

A 6-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever dog with history of epilepsy was presented for vomiting over 8 times in a 24 hour period, decreased appetite, lethargy, and recent history of ingesting a travel size soap. Physical exam found patient BAR, with a non-painful abdomen, pink mucous membranes, and 7-8% dehydrated. In-house blood chemistry was within normal limits. Lateral and VD radiographs showed excess gas in intestines and a possible mass effect mid-abdomen. A gastroprotectant injection and subcutaneous fluids were administered pending an abdominal ultrasound.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Obstructive intestinal pattern. Foreign body, focal dysfunctional bowel, occult neoplasia, enteritis.

Image Interpretation

Dilated small intestine is followed by echogenic, progressively shadowing intestinal artifact. Areas of empty small intestine are present, creating a sonographic pattern suggestive of an obstruction.

DX

Jejunal foreign body

Outcome

Patient underwent exploratory surgery, and a large foreign body was found wedged in jejunum. The foreign body was non-movable; an enterotomy was performed which produced a black plastic ball. Patient recovered from procedure without event and 12 hours post-op was non-painful. Patient was discharged a few days later with antibiotics and bland diet.