Musculoskeletal

Anonymous

Publication Date: 2009-07-08

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History

1 year old male Pit Bull Terrier with a swelling and draining tract over the fourth metacarpal bone on the left front foot.

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.

   

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Additional Images

Here is the foxtail about 20 minutes after the ultrasound examination.

References

  1. Gnudi G, Volta A, Bonazzi M, et al. Ultrasonographic features of grass awn migration in the dog. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 2005;46:423-426.
  2. Della Santa D, Rossi F, Carlucci F, et al. Ultrasound-guided retrieval of plant awns. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2008;49:484-486.
  3. Armbrust LJ, Biller DS, Radlinsky MG, et al. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of foreign bodies associated with chronic draining tracts and abscesses in dogs. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 2003;44:66-70.