Gastrointestinal Foreign Body

by Dr. Tim Schneider

Dogs and cats may eat things that they shouldn’t. Usually this behavior is not a problem but sometimes what goes into their body doesn’t necessarily make its way out. If the ingested material causes a blockage to the passage of material in the stomach or intestines, then your pet may begin experiencing clinical signs such as vomiting, inappetence, abdominal discomfort, depression, or diarrhea. Sometimes you’ve witnessed your pet eating a foreign object so you have a strong suspicion that this may be the source of the problem. However, even then because the clinical signs of a small intestinal blockage are vague and are similar to those for numerous other problems, a thorough examination by a veterinarian is needed to diagnose the problem.

A thorough work-up usually includes at least obtaining baseline bloodwork and radiographs of the abdomen. Often additional diagnostics modalities are needed including abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, contrast GI radiographs or even surgical exploration the abdomen to determine if an obstruction exists. Typically if a gastrointestinal obstruction is diagnosed then surgery is needed. Because GI obstructions can cause potentially life threatening complications, surgery is usually considered an emergency. Fortunately, in some very select situations, surgery is not needed but the possible need for surgery looms until the offending material passes.

So far this summer at CCVSS we have seen GI obstructions including: rocks (pictured), peach pits, coins, rugs, blankets, a cabbage palm seed, corn cob, intestinal tumors, and bones. This diverse list of possible obstructing material is just a small sample of the possible causes for a GI obstruction. Essentially anything your pet can chew or swallow has the potential to cause an obstruction. You don’t need to panic every time your pet eats a treat or chews on a toy, but if your pet has a tendency to chew or eat its toys or bedding, or likes to rummage through the trash or compost pile, then limiting your pet’s exposure to these materials may go a long way to prevent them from eating something that it shouldn’t. Furthermore, if your pet has a tendency to eat rocks, shells or twigs during walks then the use of a cage muzzle or basket muzzle may be an option to prevent ingesting undesired materials.

Not every animal experiencing clinical signs such as vomiting, inappetence, abdominal discomfort, depression, or diarrhea has a GI obstruction. Still, pets with these types of symptoms should always be examined and evaluated by veterinarian to determine what the cause is and what treatment options are needed to return your pet to good health.