CT findings in seven dogs with perforating wooden skewer foreign bodies from the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Background: Perforating foreign bodies from the gastrointestinal tract, such as wooden skewers, are reported in the small animal literature producing inflammatory/infectious lesions in the thorax, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system, which can be life-threatening in some instances. Several imaging modalities have been used, and advanced imaging techniques have shown great advantage on its diagnosis and pre-surgical planning. Aim: The objective of this study is to describe the computed tomographic findings in a group of seven medium to large breed dogs with perforating wooden skewers foreign bodies migrated from the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Medical records database was searched for dogs with a suspected diagnosis of a perforating wooden foreign body migrated from the gastrointestinal tract in which a computed tomographic study was performed. Signalment, history and clinicopathological findings (when available) were retrieved, and the computed tomographic studies were reviewed. Results: Clinical signs varied depending on the anatomical regions affected through the perforating pathway. All foreign bodies were identified and showed a median attenuation of 79 HU, with the most common localization being the stomach followed by the jejunum. Peritoneal fat stranding surrounding the perforation site was the most frequent computed tomographic finding. Presence of peritoneal free fluid and/or gas was uncommon. Pleural effusion, pulmonary perforation and pneumothorax were present in most of the cases with the foreign body traversing the pleural space. Pulmonary cavitary lesions were always reported when the ending tip of the wooden skewer was within the pulmonary parenchyma. Soft tissue abscessation was recognised in all cases where the ending tip was lodged in muscular or subcutaneous tissues. Conclusion: Findings supported the variability of the secondary lesions caused by this type of foreign body and the utility of computed tomography in their recognition, as well in the identification of the wooden skewer.