Thoraco-abdominal impalement in a dog: The anaesthetic and surgical management

Abstract

A 6.5-year-old, male, neutered Cocker Spaniel presented to the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital following impalement on a metal rod while out on a walk. Computed tomography imaging showed the transfixing metal foreign body penetrating the thoracic cavity, diaphragm and abdominal cavity, with associated pneumothorax, pulmonary contusions, hepatic injury, pneumoperitoneum and peritoneal effusion. Exploratory laparotomy and median sternotomy were performed to safely remove the rod. Left lateral liver lobectomy, typhlectomy, diaphragmatic hernia repair, and thoracic and abdominal wall repair were performed in addition to abdominal and thoracic drain placement. Peri-operative administration of blood products was required. Post-operative haemoabdomen developed secondary to liver lobectomy, but only required medical support. The dog was discharged 7 days post-operatively and recovered fully with no long-term complications.