Unusual foreign body in a mule

An eight-year-old mule was presented with history of a chronic wound at the left lateral side of neck at the upper part of pre-scapular region. The mule had a history of injury two years back but not at the site of wound. The wound had a hard swelling at the base and was not healing in spite of broad spectrum antibiotic therapy both locally and parenterally. Biopsy findings were negative for any tumourous growth and on puncturing no fluid came out. The mule was sedated with xylazine and ketamine was given as anaesthetic; and the wound was incised deeply and a piece of hard wood measuring about 8 cm in length and 1 cm in width was recovered. The wound was dressed antiseptically and broad spectrum antibiotic and analgesic were given as usual and the animal recovered uneventfully.