Brain abscess associated with a penetrating foreign body

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Oropharyngeal foreign bodies are common in dogs, typically causing swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
• Complications can arise if the foreign body migrates or causes tissue damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of oropharyngeal foreign body migration.
• To describe the resulting neurological signs and brain abscess formation in a dog.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case presentation.
• Diagnostic imaging (e.g., CT, MRI) to identify the foreign body and abscess.
• Surgical or medical management of the foreign body and abscess.

Main Results:

• A dog presented with neurological signs attributed to an oropharyngeal foreign body.
• The foreign body had penetrated the cranial cavity, causing a brain abscess.
• Successful management of the foreign body and abscess led to resolution of neurological signs.

Conclusions:

• Oropharyngeal foreign bodies in dogs can have severe neurological sequelae beyond dysphagia.
• Penetration of the cranial cavity by foreign material necessitates prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• This case underscores the importance of considering intracranial complications in dogs with oropharyngeal foreign bodies and neurological deficits.