IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-URETHROVAGINAL FISTULA CAUSED BY A MIGRATING GRASS AWN IN THE VAGINA

Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2016 May;57(3):E30-3. doi: 10.1111/vru.12311. Epub 2015 Nov 23.

Abstract

A young intact female dog was presented with urinary incontinence. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the presence of hyperechoic linear structures within the cranial vagina suggestive of foreign material. A computed tomography (CT) retrograde vaginourethrogram demonstrated the presence of a fistulous tract between the urethra and vagina. A presumptive diagnosis of urethrovaginal fistula due to migration of foreign material was made. The grass awn was removed with vaginoscopic-guided retrieval. Fourteen days later, surgical repair of the fistula and an ovariohysterectomy were done. This case report emphasizes the usefulness of CT for diagnosis and precise anatomical localization of genitourinary tract fistulas.

Keywords: CT; canine; foreign body; grass awn; urethrovaginal fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Dog Diseases / etiology
  • Dog Diseases / surgery
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Foreign Bodies / veterinary*
  • Hysterectomy / veterinary
  • Ovariectomy / veterinary
  • Poaceae / adverse effects
  • Seeds / adverse effects
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Urinary Fistula / etiology
  • Urinary Fistula / surgery
  • Urinary Fistula / veterinary*
  • Vagina / injuries*
  • Vaginal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Vaginal Fistula / etiology
  • Vaginal Fistula / surgery
  • Vaginal Fistula / veterinary*