Diagnostic imaging of foreign body reactions in dogs with diffuse back pain

Six hunting dogs were investigated after showing signs of diffuse back pain . In three of the dogs, prodromal signs included coughing. Swelling in the- dorsal lumbar region was noted in four of the dogs, but in two there was no visible or palpable swelling. Initial radiographs of the lumbar region wer e normal in two of the dogs and showed mild to moderate ventral periosteal reactions in the L1 to L4 region in the. remaining four. On ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, changes were seen in the sublumbar muscles (eg, abnormal echogenicity and increased signal intensity) In five dogs ex amined. Exploratory surgery revealed plant material foreign bodies in the s ublumbar muscles in the L1 to L4 region in five of the six dogs. The concur rent infections were caused predominantly by anaerobic bacteria common to t he mucous membranes of the oropharyngeal and respiratory tracts. All dogs r ecovered, with restored hunting ability. The mean follow-up period was five years (range 1.3 to 7.8 years). It is proposed that the plant parts were i nhaled, and then migrated along either diaphragmatic crus to lodge in the s ublumbar muscles.