Resolution of chyloabdomen following the removal of a projectile causing a granuloma

A 2-year-old female neutered crossbreed dog was referred for investigation of a 10-day history of progressive abdominal distension. Diagnostic investigations included radiographs, abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) with lymphangiography. Fluid analysis was consistent with chylous effusion. CT revealed a metal object embedded in an ovoid homogenous soft tissue attenuating lesion, located ventral to the aorta and surrounding the roots of the celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries. At exploratory laparotomy the metallic object (projectile) was identified and retrieved under fluoroscopic guidance. Four weeks following the surgery, the abdominal distention resolved and the physical exam was unremarkable. Chyloabdomen is a rare presentation which usually carries a guarded prognosis. This is the first case report of chyloabdomen due to a foreign body granuloma, which showed that an excellent outcome can be achieved following the removal of the underlying cause.