Canine and Feline Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies: A UK Multi-Centre Study

Inhalation of foreign material is an uncommon condition that occurs more often in dogs than cats. The main aim of this study was to describe signalment, diagnostic investigation, management and outcomes of dogs and cats with tracheobronchial foreign bodies (TBFBs) in four UK referral centres. Ninety-two dogs and 14 cats with a diagnosis of intraluminal TBFBs between January 2012 and July 2019 were included. Labrador retriever was the most commonly represented canine breed (22/92). Cough was the most common presenting complaint, occurring in 89/92 dogs and 9/14 cats. Summer seasonality was recorded in 74/88 dogs, but no feline seasonality was observed. Radiographic suspected TBFB location agreed with definitive location in 15/22 dogs and 2/2 cats. CT-suspected TBFB location and definitive location agreed in 45/46 dogs and 4/5 cats. Most common TBFB location was right caudal lobe bronchus in dogs (35/97) and trachea in cats (6/14). One of 100 canine TBFBs and nine of 14 feline TBFBs were non-vegetal. Single-attempt bronchoscopic retrieval was successful in 88/92 dogs and 13/14 cats. Surgical retrieval was performed in 4/92 dogs. All patients survived to discharge. This study suggests a pattern of canine TBFB seasonality in the UK. Imaging was useful to guide localisation, and CT appeared more accurate at predicting TBFB location than radiography in dogs. Bronchoscopic TBFB removal was commonly successful, with excellent survival rates. Presenting signs, patterns of seasonality, imaging findings, and management outcomes are useful to help clinical reasoning and decision management in the practical setting.