Application of Ultrasound in Detecting and Removing Migrating Grass Awns in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors offer a comprehensive review of the addressed topic. The focused topic appears interesting, as the ultrasound method can be very useful in practice in detecting migrating grass awns and surgical attempts alone are often unsuccessful. In my opinion the manuscript can be accepted in the present form, although I suggest to the authors a further check of the English language for minor errors.

1.The authors propose a systematic review on the current knowledge on the application of ultrasonography in the identification and removal of grass awns in small animals. This is a very interesting, as the surgical management of this pathological condition is frustrating and ultrasound offers an excellent and simple support.
2.  The topic is pertinent with the more general subject of the special issue.
3. The manuscript offers a synthesis of all published articles and retrospective studies on this topic.
4. The discussions and conclusions are pertinent with the extensive description of the ultrasound use to remove plant foreign bodies from different anatomical districts.
5. The literature search is adequate for the purpose of a systematic review.
6. The review is appropriately supplemented by original pictures. 

Minor editing of English language required

Author Response

We thank the Reviewer for her/his encouraging comments. We have checked the English language.

Reviewer 2 Report

I have no major criticisms.  In general, well done.  There are a few instances of incorrect grammar (see highlights in attached file).

Although certainly not required, you might put in a line or two explaining that you did not include such foreign bodies in the nose or aural canal because  ultrasound is not used for these areas (yes, it is obvious, but some readers will automatically think about the nose and ear since that is where most of these foreign bodies end up).  Otherwise, I have no real suggestions.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

There are a few grammatical errors.  In general, a very good job or writing.  Please see attached file for highlighted areas that need to be corrected.

Author Response

We thank the Reviewer for her/his encouraging comments. We have checked the English language following the Reviewer’s suggestions.

We have searched published papers using “ultrasound” or “ultrasonography” as key words, therefore no papers on nose or aural canal migration were present. As the reviewer states, the ultrasound cannot apply in detecting and removing migrating grass awns in nose or aural canal; consequently, no papers on this topic exists in the literature. In our opinion, “a line or two explaining that you did not include such foreign bodies in the nose or aural canal” as the Reviewer suggests, it would not make sense.