Cutaneopulmonary Fistula in a Dog Caused by Migration of a Toothpick

Abstract

A 6-year-old, neutered male, mixed-breed dog was presented for a chronic draining tract and cough. A contrast fistulogram demonstrated a cutaneopulmonary fistula. Excision of the fistulous tract retrieved a migrating foreign body (i.e., a toothpick) within the tract. Clinical signs resolved 2 weeks following surgery. Foreign body migration is a common problem seen in dogs, resulting in many different clinical syndromes. Definitive surgery depends upon complete removal of the foreign body and the diseased tissue. Sinography is an inexpensive, readily available diagnostic tool that can help define a draining tract and confirm a foreign body.