Case Study

Jejunal foreign body in an 8-year-old MN DSH cat

An 8-year-old MN DSH cat was presented for evaluation of vomiting and anorexia.

An 8-year-old MN DSH cat was presented for evaluation of vomiting and anorexia.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Small intestine foreign body, fabric or hair, with possible chronic IBD, lymphoma or dry form FIP.

Image Interpretation

The distal small intestine in this patient presented progressively shadowing material that is consistent with hair accumulation or fabric obstruction. Some reactive omentum was noted around the obstructed portion of small intestine. Dilation was noted proximal to the obstruction with hyperperistalsis and empty small intestine distal to the obstruction. The portion of obstructed bowel appeared hypoechoic with loss of detail.

DX

Jejunal obstruction from hairball; jejunal foreign body

Outcome

Abdominal exploratory was performed, hairball removed from jejunum.

Comments

Recommend resection and anastamosis.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI tract pathology – IBD, foreign body, neoplasia, dietary hypersensitivity, granulomatous enteritis, infectious (bacterial/fungal/protozoal/helminths)