Ingested Foreign Body Removal

When cats and dogs ingest foreign materials, some are able to safely pass through while some may need to be remedied by an endoscopy or surgery.

At Sploot, our experienced team, aided by state-of-the-art technology, will be able to quickly locate obstructive foreign matter and restore your pet’s digestive functions.

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Open until 10pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and urgent-intakes welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.

Common Foreign Matter That Cause Intestinal Issues in Pets

Pets typically eat a foreign body either accidentally or due to curiosity. The following are the most commonly ingested items that cause intestinal blockages and other problems:

Bones
Strings or ribbons
Small pieces of glass
Fragments of pet toys
Corn cobs
Fishing hooks
Sticks or stick fragments
Pieces of clothing (e.g. underwear, socks, stocking)
Small parts of children’s toys

Symptoms of a Stuck Ingested Foreign Body in Pets

If you are unsure whether or not your pet has ingested anything else apart from food, look out for these symptoms:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Sudden lack of appetite
Constipation or straining to defecate
Excessive salivating or gagging
Behavioral changes, such as biting or growling

Common Foreign Matter That Cause Intestinal Issues in Pets

Small foreign matter in the esophagus or stomach can sometimes be remedied using an endoscope. An endoscope is a camera-guided, hose-like device that is used mainly for identifying blockages or issues in the gastrointestinal tract. An endoscope can also be used to remove small foreign matter.  

Surgical foreign body removal is needed when an ingested foreign body cannot be passed naturally and cannot be retrieved with an endoscope.

It is important that stuck foreign matter is removed immediately because when ingested foreign materials get stuck, this can cause:

Restricted blood flow to other organs
Internal Injuries
Disrupted digestion
Sudden lack of appetite

Got Questions?
We’re Here for You

Reach out to our Pet Parent Concierge Team with questions, whether it’s surgery, symptoms, scheduling, or something else!

What to Expect: Foreign Body Removal for Pets

Before the Operation: Diagnosis & Pre-Operative Preparation

Your pet will undergo a pre-operative appointment which includes the following:
01
A full physical exam is done to ensure the safest way surgery can be done for your pet. This will include bloodwork and other necessary lab tests recommended by the veterinarian.
02
Imaging tests will be used to confirm the presence and location of the foreign matter in the dog or cat’s GI tract.
03
The veterinarian will recommend next steps which could be any of the following:
To let the foreign matter safely pass and closely monitor the dog or cat;
To do endoscopy to push or remove the small piece of foreign matter;
To undergo surgery to remove the large, obstructive, and/or sharp foreign matter immediately.
In cases where surgery is the recommended next step:
01
The veterinarian will give a specific time when your pet must stop having meals the night before the surgery. (Please note that water can be given at any time.)
02
The veterinarian will talk to you more about how the surgical procedure will be done and the post-operative care your pet will need.

During the Operation

You will drop off your pet on the day of the surgery. Once the procedure begins, you will receive live updates from our team (in the form of texts, photos, and videos) to keep you informed on how your furry companion is doing.

After the Operation

For intestinal and gastric surgeries that involve foreign body removal, it may be necessary to have your pet transferred to a 24-hour hospital. There, they will be closely monitored, allowed to recover, and the veterinarians will ensure that there are no complications.

Got Questions?
We’re Here for You

Reach out to our Pet Parent Concierge Team with questions, whether it’s surgery, symptoms, scheduling, or something else!

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We accept scheduled appointments, same-day appointments, & walk-ins.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I prevent my dog or cat from eating foreign matter? 

Dogs may engage in destructive chewing when they are stressed or bored. Though less frequent, cats may also chew on objects when they are anxious or bored. Therefore, managing stress and boredom with sufficient exercise and stimulating toys will help prevent instances of foreign body ingestion. 

In addition, keep small choking hazards away from where pets can access them. This could mean deboning a piece of meat before giving it as a treat or putting a secure lid over trash bins. If you’re concerned about your pet’s destructive chewing, our veterinarians give behavioral consultations to help manage problematic behaviors in pets.

What are the signs that my pet may have ingested a foreign body?

Ingested foreign bodies may cause digestive issues in dogs and cats if they cannot pass through on their own, cause obstruction, and/or have sharp parts that can cut. The common signs of foreign body ingestion in dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivating or gagging, sudden lack of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

What should I do if I suspect my pet has ingested a foreign body?

If you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign body, give our team a call immediately. Depending on your pet’s case, our team will guide you through the next steps.

Can ingested foreign bodies pass through the digestive system naturally?

If a piece of foreign matter is small and smooth, it may be able to pass through the dog or cat’s intestines on its own. Larger, irregularly-shaped, or sharp objects will not pass through as easily and will likely require the intervention of a veterinarian. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something that could get stuck or cause internal cuts, reach out to our team immediately. 

Can foreign body ingestion be a medical emergency?

Foreign body ingestion in dogs and cats can become a medical emergency, especially if the object is likely to cause obstruction, puncture, and other types of internal damage. Seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign object.

What are the risks of leaving an ingested foreign body untreated?

Untreated ingested foreign bodies can lead to serious complications such as perforations and obstruction if not addressed promptly. Cases like this can become life-threatening if not brought to the attention of a qualified veterinarian.

How is the presence of an ingested foreign body diagnosed in pets?

To diagnose an ingested foreign body in dogs and cats, veterinarians use a combination of physical exam findings, imaging techniques, and endoscopy. 

What are the risks of leaving an ingested foreign body untreated?

Untreated ingested foreign bodies can lead to serious complications such as perforations and obstruction if not addressed promptly. Cases like this can become life-threatening if not brought to the attention of a qualified veterinarian.

Can foreign bodies pass naturally with the help of medication or special diets?

In some mild cases of foreign body ingestion, veterinarians may be able to recommend a treatment involving the use of medication and special diets instead of endoscopy or surgery. The pet would still need to be monitored to make sure the foreign body has passed safely.

Can an ingested foreign body be removed through nonsurgical means?

In some cases, endoscopy can be used to remove an ingested foreign body. This depends on the size of the foreign body and where it is stuck in the pet’s digestive system.

How long do endoscopies and surgical removal of foreign matter take?

Endoscopies for pets can take up to 40 minutes to complete. Meanwhile, surgery to remove larger and more harmful gastrointestinal obstructions will take around 1 to 4 hours. 

Are there any risks associated with the surgical removal of an ingested foreign body?

As with any type of veterinary surgery, there are risks involved, such as anesthesia complications and post-surgical wound infections. However, our experienced vets are able to minimize these risks and empower pet parents to give great post-surgical care. 

How long do endoscopies and surgical removal of foreign matter take?

Endoscopies for pets can take up to 40 minutes to complete. Meanwhile, surgery to remove larger and more harmful gastrointestinal obstructions will take around 1 to 4 hours. 

Are there any risks associated with the surgical removal of an ingested foreign body?

As with any type of veterinary surgery, there are risks involved, such as anesthesia complications and post-surgical wound infections. However, our experienced vets are able to minimize these risks and empower pet parents to give great post-surgical care.

Does my pet need a pre-surgical consultation?

Yes. A pre-op appointment ensures a safe and successful surgery for foreign body removal. 

What is the recovery process like after the surgical removal of an ingested foreign body?

Recovery after surgical removal of an ingested foreign body depends on the complexity of the procedures. In some cases, pets may be sent home, while in other cases, they may need a hospital stay for further stabilization before returning home. 

In general, all pets returning home from surgery need to have their prescribed medications on time, have limited physical activity, be given the vet-recommended diet, and be allowed to rest in a calm environment. 

How much does my pet’s surgery cost?

The cost of a pet’s surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. We offer transparent pricing from the get-go. Reach out to our team today to learn more!

Does Sploot Veterinary Care accept pet insurance?

If foreign body removal is included in your pet’s insurance coverage, you may be able to claim reimbursement from your insurance provider. 

Because different insurance plans offer different scopes of coverage, you may need to clarify with your insurance provider if this treatment is eligible for reimbursement.

How much does my pet’s surgery cost?

The cost of a pet’s surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. We offer transparent pricing from the get-go. Reach out to our team today to learn more!

When can I schedule my pet for surgical consultation at  Sploot Vets?

Because gastrointestinal foreign matter obstructions have potentially fatal effects, we encourage pet parents to reach out as soon as they observe symptoms. We’re here for you during urgent cases like this. We accept same-day appointments and walk-ins.

What payment options are available in Sploot Vets?

To ensure the safety of our clinic and clients, Sploot only accepts cashless payments. We happily accept all major credit and debit cards, along with CareCredit and ScratchPay.

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