Intra-thoracic gossypiboma (textiloma) in a 6-year-old cocker spaniel

This report documents the first case of gossypiboma (textiloma) identified within the thorax of a dog. CT findings, surgical removal and histopathology are described. Intra-thoracic gossypiboma has not previously been reported in dogs and is rarely reported in the human medical literature, where it is most commonly associated with previous cardiac or pulmonary surgery. This dog had previously had a thoracotomy for attempted surgical correction of a persistent right aortic arch and left ligamentum arteriosum 6 years prior to presentation. A brief review of the previous literature and recommendations for prevention of this condition are provided.