Presentation
Presents with a history of vomiting for three days.
Patient Data
There is focal, marked distension of the small intestine. Some loops appear greater than 4x rib width or 1.6x the height of a vertebral body, and some are more normal. There is a semicircular soft tissue opacity outlined by gas in an enlarged loop in the mid abdomen. It is visible on the lateral and v/d projections. This mechanical obstruction is caused by a visible foreign body, likely a ball.
The GI foreign body is perfectly circular, and is located in a dilated loop of jejunum. The foreign body casts a "clean" shadow.
Case Discussion
Small intestinal obstruction with rubber ball which was removed via an enterotomy. The focal, marked distension of small intestine is characteristic of a mechanical obstruction, such as a foreign body or mass. The age of the dog and visibility of the foreign body are diagnostic. If it were radiolucent, ultrasonography or an upper GI study would help to determine the cause of obstruction.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.