Case Study

Linear foreign body in a 9-year-old MN DSH cat

A 9-year-old MN DSH was presented for weight loss. Physical examination revealed no significant findings. Survey radiographs were suggestive of ileus, bowel thickening, and were suggestive of a mass effect. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry were thrombocytopenia, mild hyperglycemia, and hyperamylasemia.

A 9-year-old MN DSH was presented for weight loss. Physical examination revealed no significant findings. Survey radiographs were suggestive of ileus, bowel thickening, and were suggestive of a mass effect. Abnormalities on CBC and serum biochemistry were thrombocytopenia, mild hyperglycemia, and hyperamylasemia.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Gastric foreign body (string foreign body or potential worm burden). Left sided pancreatitis. Lymphadenitis with the possibility of concurrent lymphoma or dry FIP. Age related renal changes.

Image Interpretation

The gastrointestinal tract presented a large tubular type foreign body. This occupied much of the pylorus. Clumping of the small intestine was noted with free fluid and multiple echogenic linear structures. The mesenteric root lymph nodes were also enlarged and uniform and hypoechoic. The remainder of the intestinal tract appeared mildly prominent, yet otherwise normal.

DX

Linear foreign bodies, mild chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis.

Outcome

On exploratory laparotomy linear foreign bodies (shoe/boot lace and an elastic string) were removed. The patient recovered without event.

Clinical Differential Diagnosis

GI pathology (Intestinal neoplasia, IBD, foreign body, intussusception, granulomatous reaction)

Sampling

Full thickness biopsies were taken of the stomach wall, pancreas, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Results showed normal stomach; mild chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis; mild chronic, proliferative, mesenteric lymphadenopathy.