Limitation of Computed Tomography in Identifying Intranasal Porcupine Quills in a Dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

A 6 yr old, spayed female, Rhodesian ridgeback was presented for a 6-8 wk history of serous nasal discharge after being quilled by a porcupine. Physical exam revealed mid dorsal maxilla sensitivity. Computed tomography showed a normal nasal cavity. Rhinoscopy revealed three porcupine quills which were removed from the nasal cavities. The patient's clinical signs had improved dramatically at 1 wk follow-up. This case demonstrates the limitations of computed tomography for diagnosing intranasal porcupine quills and the importance of pursuing rhinoscopy in patients with clinical signs of nasal disease.