Intraluminal Intestinal Obstruction due to a Retained Surgical Sponge in a Spayed Bitch

A 4 year old female West Highland white terrier, weighing about 7.5 Kg was presented with a week-long history of persistent vomiting and anorexia. Barium contrast radiography showed brief accumulation of the agent outlining an oval structure, measuring 2.24 x 1.45 inches in the small intestines. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass with a hyperechoic center in the cranial intestines. Surgical exploration disclosed an outpouching in the jejunum with a granulomatous reaction surrounding an intramural foreign body continuous with the lumen. The affected intestine was resected and anastomosed. Histopathology suggested the foreign body as a retained surgical sponge. On enquiry, the animal underwent an ovariohysterectomy a year ago. The dog recovered uneventfully with no post-operative complications.