Head and neck swelling due to a circumferential cicatricial scar in a dog

Hans Westermeyer, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Karen M. Tobias, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Danielle Reel, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Abstract

A 4-year-old, castrated male, mixed-breed dog was evaluated because of progressive head swelling, exercise intolerance, and increasing respiratory effort of 1 month’s duration. Physical examination and radiographs revealed severe edema of the head and face that was cranial to a circumferential, midcervical constriction caused by scarring related to previous removal of a foreign body. Surgical en bloc resection of the cicatricial tissue was performed, and clinical signs resolved completely after 2 months. Histopathology showed ongoing inflammation and hairs within a fibrous band. This case emphasizes that incomplete wound debridement may lead to excessive fibrous tissue proliferation and that thorough wound examination and debridement should be performed after removing circumferential cervical foreign bodies to ensure complete healing.