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 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and walk-ins welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
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Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.
Open 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and walk-ins 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!

Ready for Exceptional Veterinary Care?

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

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

Does my pet need a pre-surgical consultation?

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

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.

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?

For the safety of our clients and our clinics, we accept only cashless payments. Clients have the convenience of paying with any major credit or debit card, as well as CareCredit and ScratchPay.

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