The Adventure Named a Foreign Body

We have had an increased amount of foreign body surgeries with in the last couple weeks so we thought a spotlight on foreign body surgeries and prevention may be beneficial.
​A foreign body is defined as a surgical procedure to remove foreign material from the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines) that is obstructing the system. Where the obstruction is located greatly affects the signs and symptoms for each animal. Some small objects that are smooth can pass through the intestines without causing a blockage. However, large objects, such as toys, can get stuck within the intestine and stomach and cause extreme irritation to your pet. Dogs and cats with an intestinal obstruction may show but are not limited to continuous vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you are afraid your pet may have an intestinal obstruction, contact your veterinary office.
The first step to any kind of treatment for pets is a physical examination to assess painful areas, symptoms, and concerns.  If we are concerned that there is a foreign material obstructing the intestinal system, we use further diagnostics to be definitive. The diagnostic tool for determining a foreign body is to take abdominal radiographs (X-rays). By using radiology we can assess normal and abnormalities in the stomach and intestines. If there is an obstruction, surgery is needed as soon as possible.
​Check out a normal vs. abnormal abdominal radiographs below. 

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​​​Prevention is key! 
Listen to these tips to prevent a foreign body surgery

• Monitor your dog when chewing bones and playing with toys.
• Keep small cat toys away from dogs as they are small and easily ingested.
• Make sure your pets cannot get into the trash. It is best to keep the trash covered, in cabinets, etc.
• Put all laundry in an area where your pets cannot get them (socks and underwear are commonly ingested).
• Keep your pet from chewing on bedding and carpets.
• Monitor your pet while they are outside, keep them from eating sticks, rocks, corn cobs, and etc.

If your pet has eaten something they shouldn't, attempting to make them vomit up the object right away is best. ​

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Fun Fact: The average cost for a Foreign Body surgery is anywhere from $700 to $2,000! 
** Dependent on the clinic, severity of
​ the procedure, and hospital stays **

​Meet Puppy, a recent
​Foreign Body here at our clinic

​Radiographs were taken showing a foreign object in the stomach. The puppy was sedated for surgery and luckily had vomited up the toy (some dogs vomit from surgery pre-medications). The normal radiograph image was taken after the puppy's removal of the object. 

Common ingested items are:

• Socks/underwear
• Towels
• String
• Toys/toy fragments
• Wrapping paper/tinsel
• Coins
• Rocks
• Sticks and mulch