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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Pyothorax induced by an intrathoracic foreign body in a miniature dachshund: Migration of a popsicle stick from the stomach.

Journal:
The Journal of veterinary medical science
Year:
2017
Authors:
Choi, Yi-Don & Han, Hyun-Jung
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Surgery · South Korea
Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A four-year-old miniature dachshund was brought to the vet after having a fever, looking very tired, and coughing for two weeks. Four months earlier, the owner had seen the dog swallow a whole popsicle stick, but it hadn't shown any signs of trouble at that time. Tests like X-rays and ultrasounds revealed that the popsicle stick had moved into the dog's chest and caused a serious infection with fluid buildup that was bloody and contained bacteria. The dog was treated by surgically removing the popsicle stick, cleaning out the chest, and giving antibiotics. The treatment worked well, and the dog recovered successfully.

Abstract

A four-year-old dachshund presented with a two-week history of pyrexia, depression, and cough. Four months earlier, the owner observed the dog swallow a whole popsicle stick, but the animal showed no clinical signs at that time. Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography confirmed an intrathoracic linear foreign body and pleural effusion in the right thorax. The pleural fluid was bloody and purulent, and contained inflammatory cells and Escherichia coli. The dog was diagnosed with pyothorax induced by a foreign body, and was treated successfully by surgical removal of the foreign body, partial lung lobectomy, thoracic lavage, and antibiotics. The foreign body was identified as a popsicle stick that the dog had eaten.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28659538/