Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies in Dogs and Cats

Introduction

Inhaled foreign bodies are uncommon in dogs and when they do occur typically involve (at least in the UK) inhalation of barley awns or grass by sporting, active breeds, often at a young age (1). In cats, airway foreign bodies are quite rare (2) but again in the UK will frequently involve inhalation of stones, bones or vegetation. However it is worth noting that cats are more likely to present with nasopharyngeal foreign bodies. Following correct diagnosis, the vast majority of foreign bodies may be endoscopically removed using the correct technique. [...]

Key Points

• Active dogs which run in grass or grain fields are predisposed to inhaling foreign bodies
• Clinical duration and signs may be prolonged unless there is intervention to remove the foreign body
• Radiographic abnormalities are often characteristic, with a localized soft tissue density apparent most commonly in one of the caudal lung lobes
• Endoscopic removal is usually successful
• Complications of airway foreign bodies can occur but are uncommon; these include pyothorax, hemorrhage and pneumothorax