Diagnostic imaging of migrating kebab (sosatie) sticks - a review of 8 cases

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Authors

Stander, Nerissa
Kirberger, Robert M.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

South African Veterinary Association

Abstract

Complications related to extraluminal migration of ingested kebab (sosatie) sticks are infrequently diagnosed in small animals. A total of 8 cases diagnosed with extragastric migration of ingested kebab sticks were retrospectively evaluated. No significant breed or sex predilection was found but there was a tendency for animals to present at a younger age (less than 3 years). Clinical signs (of variable duration) were non-specific and included haemoptysis, abdominal pain, regurgitation, subcutaneous abscessation and chronic draining sinus tracts, making a clinical diagnosis difficult. Ultrasonography proved invaluable in facilitating the diagnosis of kebab stick migration in 6 of the cases and computed tomography unexpectedly identified a kebab stick that had migrated into the thorax in 1 patient. Survey radiography was generally found to be insensitive in identifying the kebab sticks. The aim of this article is to alert veterinarians to a clinical syndrome that may not be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with non-specific inflammatory disease of the thorax, abdomen or pelvic regions and to illustrate the usefulness of the various diagnostic imaging modalities in facilitating a diagnosis of kebab stick ingestion and its possible secondary complications.

Description

Keywords

Computed tomography, Diagnostic ultrasound, Kebab stick, Linear foreign body, Radiography, Sosatie stick, Wood

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Stander, N & Kirberger, RM 2011, 'Diagnostic imaging of migrating kebab (sosatie) sticks – a review of 8 cases', Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, vol. 82, no. 3, pp. 160–165.