Sonographic Findings of a Radiolucent Obstructive Foreign Object in a Sphynx.

PATIENT INFORMATION:

Age: 6 years
Gender: Male Neutered
Species: Feline

HISTORY:

An abdominal ultrasound was recommended due to a recent onset of reduced appetite and vomiting. Owner reported a possible missing child’s toy. Radiographs were performed with no foreign material noted. AUS was performed prior to exploratory laparotomy.

IMAGE INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS:

Abdominal sonographic findings:

An approximate ~ 4.0cm hypoechoic foreign object with hyperechoic margins was seen in the jejunal lumen. The object had characteristics of a small animal, having discernible feet, hindlimbs, tail, abdomen, and a tail. No head could be seen. Unlike most foreign objects, this structure had no acoustic shadow that is typically seen with foreign material.

Other sonographic abnormalities included irritated/spastic jejunal segments that were moderately corrugated, and hyperechoic mesentery suggestive of mild peritonitis with no evidence of ascites.

Surgery was recommended to remove the foreign material, assess bowel integrity, and abdominal lavage.

Post-surgical evaluation of the foreign object revealed a foam-like dinosaur with a missing head that likely passed without obstruction. Upon follow-up with the owner, a bath-bomb had recently been used that contained various floating dinosaurs.