Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic evaluation prior to laparoscopic-assisted gastrointestinal foreign body removal in 30 dogs.

To determine the ability of abdominal ultrasound (AUS) to correctly identify gastrointestinal foreign body (GIFB) type, location, size and shape; and to determine the success rate of laparoscopic-assisted GIFB removal with GIFB of various characteristics. Prospective clinical study. Client-owned dogs (30) that underwent laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery (LAIS). Dogs with GIFB obstruction underwent an AUS performed by a boarded radiologist. GIFB type, location within the gastrointestinal tract, size, and shape were recorded, as well as the presence or absence of peritoneal fluid, pneumoperitoneum, or mural changes. LAIS was attempted in all dogs. Surgical findings were compared to ultrasound findings. AUS was able to correctly determine the type, location, and shape of GIFB 96.8%, 77.42%, and 93.5% of the time, respectively. AUS had moderate accuracy (80%), at identifying adhesions, and underestimated GIFB size. LAIS was successful in 16/30 (53.3%) of cases, including 2/7 (28.6%) linear, 14/23 (60.9%) non-linear, and 1/1 (100%) gastric foreign bodies, but was not successful for GIFB near the caudal duodenal flexure (0/2, 0%). Preoperative AUS was accurate in determining the type, location, and shape of GIFB. Specific linear foreign bodies were amenable to laparoscopic-assisted removal. GIFB located at the caudal duodenal flexure were not successfully removed by LAIS. Preoperative AUS is a useful diagnostic to aid in determining the suitability of a dog to undergo LAIS.