Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

Chapter Three The Abd omen 337
the radiographs, many are tissue dense and not identified because they are surrounded by
fluid within the intestines. Nuts or seeds may contain air within their centers or
may have mineral density in their shells and may therefore be evident on the radiograph
(see Fig. 3-106). Other foreign bodies, including corn cobs, may be identified as well (see
Fig. 3-105). 385 Although a coiled spring appearance has been described in association with
intussusception, this change is rarely evident. In most cases, the cause of the intestinal
Fig. 3-107 A 4-year-old female
Miniature Poodle with a 2-day history
of vomiting. A, On the right
recumbent lateral view there is moderate
fluid distention of the stomach.
Close scrutiny revealed a fluiddilated
loop of small intestine (black
arrows). B, The left recumbent lateral
view causes the air in the stomach
to go to the pylorus (white p)
and duodenum (white d), which
revealed marked dilation of the
descending duodenum. The severity
of dilation indicates complete blockage
of the duodenum. Differential
diagnoses include foreign body or
neoplasia. Diagnosis: Duodenal foreign
body (ball).
A
B