A radiolucent bronchial foreign body in a two- and a half-month-old Labrador Retriever with acute onset respiratory distress

Abstract

A two- and a half-month-old intact male Labrador Retriever was presented to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for acute onset respiratory distress with concern for a potential foreign body. Upon intake by the emergency service, the puppy was exhibiting expiratory dyspnoea. Radiographs revealed marked gas distension of the oesophagus and stomach. No radiopaque foreign bodies were identified. Bronchoscopy revealed a dark brown foreign body in the right middle lobe bronchus. The foreign material was pliable and crumbled upon removal attempts with a snare retrieval device. The majority of the foreign body was removed en masse; it most closely resembled faecal material. Three-view thoracic radiographs performed 1 day post-endoscopy revealed aspiration pneumonia. The dog was discharged from the hospital with doxycycline, and the pneumonia was nearly resolved at the 1-week recheck. The dog was sent home with another 2 weeks of doxycycline and made a full recovery at home.