Migration of wooden skewer foreign bodies from the gastrointestinal tract in eight dogs

Abstract

Wooden skewer foreign bodies were found in eight dogs. Five presented for evaluation of draining sinuses and two for inflammatory disease referrable to the thorax, abdomen or pelvic region. In an additional case, pneumothorax resulted from perforation of the stomach and diaphragm. Ingestion was considered the most likely mode of access of the foreign body in all cases. Although the wooden foreign bodies were seen radiographically in only two dogs, identification of soft tissue or bony changes, or the results of contrast sinography assisted diagnosis. Surgical retrieval led to resolution of signs in all cases.