Intestinal Foreign Body Dangers
Eating Strange Objects May Cause Intestinal Obstructions
Toys and other foreign objects, if swallowed, may get lodged in the stomach or intestines of dogs and cats. Many times this ends in emergency surgery for your pet.
Many dogs and cats have a habit of eating things that they shouldn't. Dogs like to ingest toys, shoes, sticks, and rocks. Cats tend to have linear foreign bodies; they ingest strings and ribbon. This is especially dangerous because it causes the intestines to fold on themselves like an accordion, cutting blood supply to that section of bowel. In these cases that section of bowel could die and need to be removed during an emergency surgery.
What Type of Items Could Cause an Intestinal Obstruction?
Smaller objects ingested by pets may pass on through but larger objects may become obstructed or cause lacerations in the intestinal tract. These items need to be surgically removed.
According to Dog Fancy Magazine (March 2008) the top 10 objects removed from the intestinal tract, in order, is:
- Socks
- Underwear
- pantyhose
- rocks
- balls
- chew toys
- corn cobs
- Bones
- Hair ties and ribbons
- Sticks
How Can an Intestinal Obstruction Be Avoided In My Pet?
The fact is this type of intestinal problem can be avoided. To avoid intestinal foreign bodies follow your mother's advice and pick up your toys.
- Keep items that dogs and cats like to chew and swallow picked up. This includes everything on the above list plus other items that your personal pet enjoys; some pets may prefer purses or the television remote control.
- Involve children in “puppy proofing or kitty proofing your home”. This will help to teach children the importance of taking care of their pet and their personal belongings. If they don't want Fido to chew up their favorite video game then keep it picked up where Fido can't get to it.
- Purchase your pet appropriate sized toys. Don't let the Labrador Retriever play with the same sized ball as the Yorkshire Terrier. If you are not sure about the size of toys you currently have show them to a staff member at your veterinary clinic. They should be able to help you pick out appropriate toys for all your dogs and cats.
What Are The Symptoms of an Intestinal Foreign Body?
The symptoms for a foreign body include but are not limited too; vomiting, not eating, tense stomach/abdomen, and fever. In more severe cases the pet will go into shock and symptoms will include pale gums, collapse, and death. Some pets may try to eat or drink but will immediately vomit the food and water.
If you suspect your pet has an intestinal foreign body contact your veterinarian immediately for further tests. Don't try first aid at home. Waiting on this type of emergency only makes the situation worse by causing the blocked intestine to become necrotic. This may cause your pet to go into shock and possibly die.
Sources: Personal experience, see Bio
Dog Fancy Magazine, March 2008
