Case Study

Gastrointestinal string foreign body, emerging perforation in a 2 year old M Toy Poodle dog

A 2-year-old male intact Toy Poodle was presented with hypothermia, lethargy, vomiting, and intermittent diarrhea. Recent blood work revealed elevated HCT, monocytosis, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia. On survey radiographs a dilated and gas filled stomach and intestines were evident.

A 2-year-old male intact Toy Poodle was presented with hypothermia, lethargy, vomiting, and intermittent diarrhea. Recent blood work revealed elevated HCT, monocytosis, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia. On survey radiographs a dilated and gas filled stomach and intestines were evident.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Gastrointestinal string foreign body with emerging perforation.

Image Interpretation

Video 1: Gastric dilation with a 5cm highly irregular shadowing foreign material that entered the duodenum and continued into distal small intestines. Video 2: Aggressive accordion shape and an ill defined intestine and mesentery. A minor amount of free fluid (arrow).

DX

Gastrointestinal string foreign body, emerging perforation

Outcome

On exploratory laparotomy a string foreign body in the stomach and intestines was identified and removed. Post surgery there was ongoing vomition and on blood work hypoalbuminemia and hyponatremia was evident. The patient was treated with IV fluids, cefazolin, Baytril, Buprenex, Cerenia, and received a fresh frozen plasma transfusion. Two days later he was BAR and a food trial was started, to which there was no vomiting. He continued to do well and was discharged from the hospital 8 days after surgery.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI pathology- foreign body obstruction, partial torsion, intestinal perforation. Peritonitis. pancreatic pathology – pancreatitis; liver pathology – toxins, infection.