It could be a grasshopper....

Bronchial Foreign Body Caused by a Grasshopper in a Dog

Giulia Maggi, Elena Rosi, Simone Cupido, Salvatore Palma, Maria Chiara Marchesi

Background
Bronchial foreign bodies (FBs) in dogs are commonly of vegetal origin, with aspiration typically occurring during outdoor activities. However, other objects, including stones, bullets, and bone fragments, have been reported. Most bronchial FBs lodge in the right main bronchus due to its anatomical alignment with the trachea. Clinical signs often include persistent cough and, in some cases, dyspnea. This study reports the first known case of a grasshopper causing bronchial obstruction in a dog.

Methods
An 11-year-old neutered male hound dog presented with a persistent cough. Physical examination revealed tachypnea, mild respiratory distress, and abnormal lung sounds in the left caudal thorax. Diagnostic imaging, including thoracic radiography and ultrasound, suggested focal pneumonia. Tracheobronchoscopy was performed under general anesthesia to further investigate the suspected foreign body.

Results
Bronchoscopy identified a partially obstructing 1.7 cm grasshopper (Decticus verrucivorus) in the left caudal bronchus (LB2). The insect was successfully removed using rat-tooth forceps. The dog was treated with a 15-day course of marbofloxacin, leading to symptom resolution. A follow-up bronchoscopy confirmed no remaining FBs or exudate.

Limitations
This is a single case report, limiting broader applicability. The exact mechanism of aspiration remains unclear, though it is hypothesized that the dog inhaled the insect while engaging in outdoor activities. Long-term follow-up beyond two weeks was not conducted.

Conclusions
This case highlights the need to consider insects as potential bronchial FBs in dogs, particularly in rural or hunting environments. Given the similarity in clinical presentation between vegetal and insect FBs, bronchoscopy remains a critical diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Future studies should assess the prevalence of insect aspiration in dogs and its clinical implications.

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