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