What Is An Intestinal Foreign Body?
A foreign body is an item (usually non-food) that a dog or cat ingests that later becomes stuck in either the stomach or small intestine. If the foreign body makes it to the colon the animal is generally able to pass the item with stool.
What Are The Symptoms For An Intestinal Foreign Body?
The symptoms for an intestinal foreign body include, but are not limited to: 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.
How will my veterinarian diagnose there is a foreign body?
Many times an experienced veterinarian can look at the dog's or cat's symptoms and suspect an intestinal foreign body. There are numerous tests your veterinarian may want to perform to confirm the diagnosis and give more information as to the animal's condition.
- Physical Exam – A complete physical is always the first place to start. During the exam the veterinarian will palpate the abdomen and possibly feel the obstruction. This may not be the case if the patient is painful and tense.
- Radiographs – X-rays will be recommended. Many times the gas patterns in the intestines will confirm the veterinarian's suspicions of a foreign body.
- Barium Study - During a barium study the animal is given, by mouth, a contrast material. Once swallowed, the material will show up white on an x-ray. It leaves a trail down the esophagus and into the stomach and intestine. X-rays are typically taken every 15 – 30 minutes. If the barium gets stuck someplace along the way then the veterinarian will know where the obstruction is.
- Blood Work – A complete blood work up will give the veterinarian an idea as to how the animal's over-all health is. It is good information to have before surgery, which is the treatment for an intestinal obstruction.
Surgery
The patient will be placed on IV fluids to help correct any dehydration and help to balance electrolytes. During the surgery an incision is made in the abdomen and the veterinarian checks the stomach and intestines for the foreign body. The veterinarian will also be able to note the overall health of the intestines. An obstruction can cut off the blood supply to a section of intestines; if this happens then that section will have to be surgically removed and the two healthy ends stitched back together. If the blood supply looks okay then an incision can be made in the intestine and the foreign body removed. The surgeon is careful during the surgery so that intestinal contents do not leak into the abdomen; this could cause an infection.
Recovery
When the surgery is over the patient is moved to recovery. The patient will be hospitalized for a few days so that the veterinary staff can continue to monitor for vomiting and diarrhea and fever. A fever could point to an infection. The patient is typically placed on antibiotics to ward off infections. When the dog or cat is able to keep food and water down the veterinarian will probably discharge the patient with home recovery instructions.
Sources: Intestinal Obstruction In A Dog From A Foreign Body, The Pet Center.com
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