Retrospective Evaluation of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Utility of Endoscopy in Grass Awn Foreign Body Disease in 18 Dogs

(1) Background: Migrating grass awns can cause significant inflammation and tissue damage. Endoscopy is well known to be an effective tool for both diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract and upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies; however, its safety and efficacy for the removal of grass awns has not been evaluated. This study aims to describe the characteristics of dogs affected by grass awn foreign bodies, identify common sites of awn embedment, describe the outcomes of endoscopic procedures, and identify any complications associated with endoscopic removal of grass awn foreign bodies from the nasal cavity and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Endoscopy is hypothesized to be a safe and effective means for both diagnosis and removal of migrating grass awns from the nasal cavity and upper GI tract. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective observational case series of 18 client-owned dogs undergoing endoscopy for removal of grass awns in the nasal cavity or gastrointestinal tract. Cases for inclusion were identified by reviewing the medical records of all animals that underwent rhinoscopy or endoscopy for suspected foreign bodies. Cases were included if one or more grass awns were identified on endoscopy. (3) Results: Most grass awns were found in the nasal cavity, tonsillar crypts, and at the upper esophageal sphincter, each representing 23% of identified awns. Sneezing and nasal discharge were correlated with awns in the nasal cavity, whereas other clinical signs were less indicative of awn location. Seventy-two percent of cases (13/18) had complete removal of all visible awns, while 28% (5/18) had incomplete removal. Long-term follow-up was limited; however, all dogs with follow-up data available showed resolution of clinical signs. No significant endoscopic complications were reported. (4) Conclusions: Endoscopy appears to be a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic modality for the identification and removal of grass awns from the nasal cavity and upper GI tract. Clinical signs may help predict awn location and guide endoscopic evaluation. Additional studies with standardized follow-up are needed to better define clinical outcomes and factors associated with successful retrieval.