Radiological evaluation of potential thoracic foreign bodies and its surgical management in cattle

Abstract

Background: Potential thoracic foreign body can migrate to right and left hemithorax in cattle depending on its direction of penetration. No literature is available to detect exact location of potential foreign body in thoracic cavity using radiology in India. The present investigation was carried out to pinpoint the exact location of foreign body in thoracic cavity is very essential for successful outcome of thoracotomy in cattle Methods: The present study was carried out in 12 clinical cases of various breeds of cattle presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Udgir with history of jugular pulsation, progressive detoriation of body condition, brisket edema, loss of rumination and tachycardia were evaluated for traumatic reticular foreign bodies. All animals were subjected for lateral (right or left) thoraco abdominal radiographic evaluation and appropriate thoracotomy procedure was planned under isoflurane inhalation anaesthesia.  Results: Non-descript (61.11%) breeds of the cattle showed highest incidence of thoracic foreign bodies particularly in female and lactating animals in present study. Clinically, all animals exhibited anorexia, jugular pulsation, brisket edema and emaciation. Radiographic examination revealed sand filled reticular folds, glassy or cloudy appearance on radiographs (adhesions), lung consolidation, loss of cardiac silhouette and diaphragmatic contour. During the radiography, Source-Image-Distance (SID) and magnification concept was kept in the mind i.e., the object is brought nearer to source, the shadow enlarges and vice and versa. In present study 5 animals showed presence of thoracic foreign bodies in right hemithorax, followed by 4 animals in central hemithorax and 3 cases exhibited left hemithorax foreign bodies on basis on length of foreign bodies measured via computerized radiography and removed via complete rib resection technique. To conclude, radiographic evaluation of thoracic foreign bodies, SID and magnification concept revealed shorter the distance between object and light source, the magnification of image (foreign body) supposed to be greater which helps in detecting exact location of foreign bodies in the hemithorax right or left.