Case Study

Two separate foreign bodies; one fabric and one metallic type in a 1 year old MN Labrador

Labrador, NM, 1 years. Vomiting off/on. Dog has a history of eating 2 rocks for 4 months. One rock was removed surgically and one rock he passed. Today he is depressed, dehydrated and protective of abdomen. No interest in food. Radiograph Findings: Bracelet type foreign body was noted in the jejunum.

DX

At least two separate foreign bodies, one fabric type and one metallic type, were noted in the mid to distal small intestine.

Image Interpretation

The upper gastrointestinal tract revealed an intestinal dilation, hyperperistalsis with shadowing material in the mid small intestine which measured approximately 2-3 cm. Minor reactive mesentery was noted yet no overt evidence of peritonitis at this point. The stomach was severely dilated with chyme. A separate foreign matter also appeared to be present with diffuse shadowing consistent with fabric or similar material. This also appeared to be in the mid small intestine. Free Fluid was also noted adjacent to the dilated loops of bowel.

Outcome

Immediate exploratory surgery is recommended with expectations toward multiple enterotomies and intestinal biopsies are recommended to rule out underlying disease given the pica history