3 min read

Going on an Ultrasound Foreign Body Hunt

Picture of Fred Gromalak, DVM Fred Gromalak, DVM : Jan 8, 2025 3:13:21 PM

ultrasound veterinary medicine diagnostic imaging foreign body ingestion svs imaging telemedicine services VetTech AnimalImaging clinical sonography veterinary ultrasound diagnosticimaging VeterinaryCare VetMed Animal Imaging Tips VeterinaryMedicine
Going on an Ultrasound Foreign Body Hunt
The Emergency Foreign Body Hunt 

As veterinarians, one of the most critical aspects of diagnosing abdominal issues is the ability to effectively interpret ultrasound images. Whether it’s dealing with gastrointestinal blockages or detecting hidden foreign bodies, ultrasound can offer invaluable insights into a pet’s condition.

In the video below, Dr. Fred Gromalak, DVM is going to through an emergency “foreign body hunt” using ultrasound images obtained by SVS Imaging Mobile Sonographer Kim Liedberg. This live demonstration shows how we identify and assess possible obstructions.

 
Step-By-Step Foreign Body Hunt 

Now, let’s walk through the key steps to investigate a suspected foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract.

 
1. Starting with the Basics: Bladder, Small Intestine, and Colon

Urinary Bladder

URINARY BLADDER

  • Our first focus is the urinary bladder, which is a helpful reference point for assessing abdominal structures.

Small Intestine

  • Next, we turn our attention to the small intestine. In this particular case, we notice small intestinal luminal dilation, which can be a sign of a potential obstruction.

DEScending colon

  • Adjacent to the bladder, we see the descending colon. It’s crucial to observe whether there’s any foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract, and in this instance, no obvious obstruction is detected in the colon.
2. Examining the Stomach and Pylorous

STOMACH

As we continue our exam, we observe the stomach, which shows mild distention, gas, and some loose ingesta (digested material). This suggests that the gastrointestinal system is attempting to process food but may be encountering some obstacles.

Stomach

PYLOROUS

Evaluation of the pyloric antrum revealed no evidence of foreign material. Therefore there is no evidence of an upper gastrointestinal obstruction (i.e. pyloric outflow obstruction).


 3. Investigating the Duodenum and Pancreas
DUODENUM
  • We move on to examine the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, where we notice a mild to moderate distention. The movement of contents here is slower than usual, but there’s no obvious obstruction. This could be a sign of hypomotility, where the intestines are sluggish but not completely blocked.
PANCREAS

Rt Limb Pancreas

  • Next, we check the pancreas and surrounding structures. We observe that there is no foreign body in this area, and the rest of the small intestine appears to be free of obvious obstructions.
4. Identify Suspicious Findings: Gas, Fluid, and Inflammation in the small intestine
  • As we move deeper into the examination, we start to see areas of concern. One part of the small intestine shows gas, mixed ingesta, and mild distention. There’s also some loose digestion present. More notably, we find mild thickening of the intestinal walls and regional inflammation around this area.
    Free Abdomen - Indiscrete wall layering

  • This is where the hunt really begins. The thickening and inflammation could be indicative of a foreign body or some form of obstruction. Though we don’t see overt shadowing, which would indicate a hard foreign body like a stone or bone, the luminal material and surrounding signs are concerning. The inflammation suggests that the body is trying to fight off an irritation or blockage.
 
5. The Final Clue: Dilation and Suspected Foreign Body

After reviewing all the structures and imaging, we notice a segment of the small intestine that stands out due to its dilation and suspicious appearance. While we don’t see clear evidence of a foreign body in this segment, the combination of luminal dilation, regional inflammation, and wall thickening raises strong suspicion for a foreign object blocking the intestine.

Free Abdomen - Distended lumen proximal to foreign body

  • This area of concern, coupled with the distended duodenum and sluggish intestinal movement, strongly suggests that we may be dealing with a foreign body in the small intestine—potentially lodged in the jejunum or duodenum.

 

6. Conclusion: Taking Action

At this point in the exam, we’ve gathered enough evidence to recommend further exploration. While ultrasound can provide valuable clues, it’s essential to take a closer look and confirm the presence of a foreign body through more invasive procedures, such as surgery or endoscopy, if necessary.

Foreign bodies are a common issue in veterinary medicine, and detecting them early is key to preventing complications. By using ultrasound to closely examine the abdomen, we can pinpoint areas of concern and take action quickly, ensuring the best outcome for our patients. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can see how we systematically assess the abdominal organs and use ultrasound to detect abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The “foreign body hunt” isn’t always straightforward, but with a careful and thorough approach, we can find and address issues early on, helping our patients feel better faster.

Stay tuned for more insights on veterinary diagnostics, and remember: when it comes to foreign bodies, always trust your instincts and keep hunting for the clues that will lead you to the right diagnosis!

 
 
Want to learn more?
Ultrasound Lab Testimonial Instagram Post
SVS Imaging hosts Intermediate and Advanced Ultrasound Training Camps to help you gain confidence in performing full abdominal ultrasounds.
  • 3:1 Instructor training ratio.
  • 19 CE Credits.
  • Fun and supportive atmosphere.
Snag your spot today.