Ultrasound-guided removal of migrating foreign bodies in pets

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Migrating foreign bodies is common in cats and dogs and can be challenging to retrieve. The aim of this study is to describe a minimally invasive ultrasound-guided technique for the removal of migrating foreign bodies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases were retrospectively recruited from a single referral hospital. Soft tissue swelling with suspected abscessation was identified on CT and the presence of migrating foreign material was confirmed on ultrasound. Foreign body retrieval was performed under ultrasound guidance: a large bore cannula (14G) was placed in direct contact with the foreign body. A pair of 16G flexible grasping forceps was passed through the sheath of the cannula and the foreign material was grasped and removed. Follow-up was obtained via patient records or telephone conversation. RESULTS: Seven dogs and one cat were included in this series. This technique was successful in removing foreign material from the neck (n = 4) and retro-bulbar area (n = 3). One retro-bulbar foreign body could not be safely removed due to its proximity to the globe. Median procedure duration was 20 minutes (range 5 to 35 minutes). Follow-up was available for seven cases at a median of 6 months (range 0.5 to 6 months). There was no recurrence of clinical signs in six out of seven cases. The swelling recurred at a different location in one case and no further foreign material was identified. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This technique enabled retrieval of migrating foreign material from the retro-bulbar and cervical regions. This was an efficient and minimally invasive technique that spared the need for surgical exploration.