Figure 5. A lateral cervical radiograph demonstrating emphysema. Gas lucencies are seen subcutaneously (arrow 1) and within the fascial planes of the neck (arrow 2). Any gas lucency evident that is not within the trachea or oesophagus raises suspicion of dorsal pharyngeal or oesophageal puncture.

Acute oropharyngeal puncture wounds: a review

Owners may recognise a specific event leading to the injury, such as their dog running for or retrieving a stick (Robinson et al, 2014). Alternatively, owners may be out of sight from the event and...