Sonographic signs of gastroduodenal linear foreign body in 3 dogs.

This article describes the sonographic signs identified in three dogs with confirmed gastroduodenal linear foreign bodies. The sonographic signs included the following; an abnormal tortuous path of the descending duodenum, the presence of a hyperechoic linear structure within the duodenal lumen which was carefully followed orally to the pylorus. The presence of a mass with strong acoustic shadow within the pylorus may also be imaged. The normal intestinal layers were present in the duodenal wall. In real time, the intestinal path was followed through many "hairpin" turns, and during this process the lumen was observed for identification of a linear structure. Secondary sequelae of gastrointestinal perforation were more difficult to identify with confidence in the cases presented.