Intra-abdominal retained surgical gauze in two dogs

This report describes the retained surgical gauze in two dogs that had ovariohysterectomy previously. The elapsed time between surgery and diagnosis of retained surgical gauze in two dogs was 30 and 16 months, respectively. Radiographic signs included localized abdominal mass (case 1, 2) and soft tissue swelling (case 2). Retained surgical gauze was imaged by survey radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT). Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass with irregular hyperechoic center in case 1, and hypoechoic mass with oval hyperechoic center and acoustic shadowing in case 2. In CT examination of case 2, hyperdense mass with a thick peripheral rim enhancing in contrast study was shown. Cytologic examination of both cases revealed abscess and granuloma respectively. The lesions were surgically removed. The possibility of retained surgical gauze should be considered in animals with a history of previous surgery with abnormal mass.