Question of the Day

Exploratory laparotomy is the most appropriate next step for this linear foreign body. On the lateral radiographs, there is an area of the small intestine with very small gas bubbles where the walls of the small intestine appear undulating. In this case, the linear foreign body was a bikini string.

A linear foreign body is a surgical emergency due to potential intestinal perforation and septic peritonitis. In severe cases, the “sawing action” of the linear foreign body against the intestinal mucosa can cause extensive damage requiring extensive resection and anastomosis. Occasionally, the intestinal damage is too extensive and euthanasia is the best course.

If a definitive Dx is not evident on radiographs, consider abdominal ultrasound to further evaluate the gastrointestinal tract.

Click here to see normal feline abdominal radiographs.

Radiographic interpretation and images courtesy of Dr. A. Zwingenberger and Veterinary Radiology. Normal radiograph links courtesy of Imaging Anatomy Univ. of Illinois Vet Med.