Tracheobronchial foreign body in a Shih-tzu dog; diagnostic and therapeutic trial using bronchoscopy

A 4-year-old, neutered male Shih-tzu dog weighing 5.4 kg was referred due to anorexia and chronic coughing. Based on history, physical examination, laboratory tests, radiographic findings, echocardiography, and bronchoscopic examination, the dog was diagnosed as tracheobronchial foreign body. The foreign body was steamed rice debris, which was removed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with vacuum suction of bronchoscopy. Bacterial and fungal culture of collected BAL fluid was negative. Baermann test for lungs parasites also was negative. The dog was treated with bronchodilator, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agent, and mucolytics for 7 days. Appetite increased and coughing sign was clearly improved after removal of foreign body and medical therapy. This case report describes that bronchoscopic techniques are available for the evaluation and management of airway foreign bodies.