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Veterinary Radiology

Teaching and learning about veterinary diagnostic imaging.

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1 year old Pit Bull Terrier

March 16, 2015 By Allison Zwingenberger

Today’s case comes straight from the ultrasound clinic. This is a 1 year old Pit Bull Terrier with a swelling over the 4th metatarsal bone of the left front limb for one month. Previous surgical exploration was unrewarding. Hint: click on the ‘Show annotated images’ link if you need help identifying the structures.

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Annotated images

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Show findings...

Findings

There is a similar appearing hyperechoic diamond shaped foreign body present between the fourth and fifth left metacarpal bones, oriented obliquely to the axis of the metacarpal bones. There is a large surrounding granuloma composed of hypoechoic tissue. There is no evidence of gas within the tissues.

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Diagnosis

Foreign body in the subcutaneous tissues of the left front foot, most likely a plant origin.

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Discussion

Plant foreign bodies can be seen as angular, hyperechoic structures within draining tracts or abscesses. In this case, there was no visible gas in a draining tract. The foreign body was clearly visible superficial to the 4th metatarsal bone.

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Additional image

Here is the foxtail about 20 minutes after the ultrasound examination.

foxtail

foxtail
Image 1 of 1


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References

  1. Gnudi G, Volta A, Bonazzi M, et al. Ultrasonographic features of grass awn migration in the dog. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 2005;46:423-426.
  2. Della Santa D, Rossi F, Carlucci F, et al. Ultrasound-guided retrieval of plant awns. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2008;49:484-486.
  3. Armbrust LJ, Biller DS, Radlinsky MG, et al. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of foreign bodies associated with chronic draining tracts and abscesses in dogs. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 2003;44:66-70.

 

Case originally posted on July 9, 2009

Filed Under: Canine, Case of the Day, Musculoskeletal, Ultrasound

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