Foreign Body Removal

What is Foreign Body Removal?

Occasionally, pets may ingest non-food items, leading to potential gastrointestinal issues. While many objects can pass harmlessly, some may cause a foreign body obstruction. This occurs when items such as string, clothing, sticks, toys, bones, or trash cannot easily pass through the digestive tract, thus resulting in an obstruction which can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Though an endoscopy may suffice for stomach-based issues, most cases require abdominal surgery for removal. Vigilant attention to your pet's behaviour and quick action in consulting a veterinarian is crucial if ingestion is suspected. Timely intervention ensures appropriate diagnosis and treatment, preventing severe complications associated with foreign body obstructions in your pet's digestive system.

An ingested foreign body can pose various risks and complications for your pets, ranging from mild nausea to severe internal injuries or intestinal obstructions.

How does Foreign Body Removal work?

The removal approach depends on the nature and location of the foreign body.  Simple extractions can be done from the mouth; however, more complex cases may require a scope orIf it was a recent ingestion, the veterinarian may be able to induce your pet to vomit out the foreign body. If this fails, your pet will need to go for an endoscopy to retrieve the object if it is in the stomach. However, if the object has progressed deeper into the digestive tract, an open surgery will be required. open surgery if the object has progressed deeper into the digestive tract.

When faced with a suspected foreign body ingestion, your veterinarian thoroughly assesses using X-rays and imaging scans to determine the safest and most effective removal strategy. Blood tests +/- , urine test, and stool tests are conducted to identify potential complications and assess the dog's suitability for anaesthesia, often a requirement for various removal methods.

Endoscopic retrieval is a minimally invasive option for objects lodged in the upper digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach). It will still involve a general anaesthetia. Ideally, fasting before the procedure is recommended, but stomach lavage, also known as oral decontamination, may precede the intervention in emergencies.

In cases where objects are stuck in the intestines or prove challenging forare unable to be removed via endoscopyic removal, surgical intervention becomes necessary. Open surgery, a more invasive approach, demands general anaesthesia for your pet's safety, ensuring a comprehensive and effective resolution to the foreign body issue.

Benefits of Foreign Body Removal

• Prevention of complications
• Minimally invasive options 
• Comprehensive surgical removal
• Prevents serious illness(es)
• Anaesthetic considerations

What complications can arise if the Foreign Body is not removed or delayed?

A foreign object which is causing a gastrointestinal obstruction will usually cause your pet to consistently vomit, have diarrhoea and a loss of appetite. These will cause dehydration, lethargy or even coma if not addressed immediately. 

A foreign body may cause compression of the intestinal walls, which will comprise the intestinal vitality. This can lead to intestinal perforation and subsequent leakage of intestinal contents into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis. 

What conditions can Foreign Body Removal Surgery treat?

Foreign body removal is typically performed to treat or prevent the following conditions:

• Gastrointestinal obstruction
• Prevention of internal injuries
• Toxicity prevention
• Infection avoidance
• Timely intervention

What results can be expected from Foreign Body Removal Surgery?

Foreign body removal in pets is crucial to prevent serious complications. Both endoscopic and surgical methods are effective. Generally, endoscopic retrieval ensures a quick, uneventful recovery, with your pet returning to normal activities soon. In contrast, recovering from open surgery may take weeks, involving rest, pain medication, and infection prevention. Your pet may need to be hospitalized for a few days post surgery to monitor for any complications. 

A follow-up visit, around 2 weeks post-surgery, is necessary for suture or staple removal and progress check. Depending on internal injuries, your vet may advise specific care for optimal healing. Complications such as peritonitis or wound breakdown, though possible, are closely monitored. Timely removal ensures your pet's well-being and reduces risks associated with retained foreign objects.

How many treatment sessions are needed?

In general, foreign body removal is a one-time procedure to ensure the complete removal of the foreign body from your pet. It is more important to prevent your pet from ingesting a foreign body in the future by creating a safe environment free of potentially harmful objects. Monitor your pet closely to prevent chewing on inappropriate items such as toys, strings or rocks.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign body pass naturally through my pet’s digestive system?

While some small objects may pass naturally through your pet’s digestive system, certain items can cause obstructions or complications. If you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign body, consult your vet for guidance on monitoring or potential surgical intervention.

How do I know if my pet has ingested a foreign body?

Detecting if your pet has ingested a foreign body can be challenging. Watch for signs such as vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, or changes in appetite or behaviour. If you observe or notice unusual symptoms, consult your vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination and appropriate diagnostic tests.

What if my pet has a recurring issue with eating foreign objects?

If your pet has a recurring issue with eating foreign objects, it is crucial to address the underlying cause. Consult your vet to explore the possible reasons for this behaviour, conduct necessary tests, and develop a tailored plan to prevent further incidents and safeguard your pet’s health. The simple solution is to remove or keep objects your pet may ingest out of reach.