Overview of Canine Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies: Cau

It's a common issue for dogs of any age to encounter foreign objects, but this problem is most frequently observed in puppies under two years old. This is due to their insatiable curiosity and love for chewing. While smaller objects can sometimes pass through the digestive system without causing blockages, larger ones can lead to severe gastrointestinal complications.

Symptoms of a Dog with a Gastrointestinal Foreign Object:

1. Sudden loss of appetite

2. Vomiting

3. Excessive drooling

4. Abnormal defecation (color, consistency, or quantity)

Diagnosis of a Dog's Gastrointestinal Foreign Object:

The first step in veterinary diagnosis is to gain a comprehensive understanding of your dog's medical history. The vet will also conduct a physical examination and, based on the findings, perform further diagnostic tests. These tests include:

1. Abdominal Xrays are a crucial examination, though not all foreign objects are detectable through them. Some veterinarians may use barium or other dyes to check for stomach foreign objects and obstructions.

2. Once a gastrointestinal foreign object is diagnosed, a blood test can be conducted to assess the dog's overall health. Since most stomach foreign objects require anesthesia to be removed, it is strongly recommended to perform a blood test first.

Treatment of a Dog's Gastrointestinal Foreign Object:

1. Most dogs with gastrointestinal foreign object blockages will exhibit symptoms like vomiting or not eating, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. As a result, your vet will administer intravenous fluids before anesthetizing your dog.

2. Once your dog's vital signs stabilize, they will be anesthetized, and the vet will use an endoscope or surgical incision to remove the foreign object from the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopy: An endoscope is a flexible tube with a camera attachment. The tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach to locate the foreign object. A retrieval tool is then inserted through the endoscope to grab the object, which is then slowly pulled out through the esophagus. If there are large amounts of foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract, endoscopy may not be an appropriate treatment option. The advantage of endoscopy is that it is a minimally invasive procedure, allowing the dog to recover faster after surgery. However, it cannot guarantee that there are no remaining foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract, and some types of objects cannot be grasped by small endoscopic forceps (such as large rocks and balls).

Surgical Incision: If endoscopy is not a suitable treatment option, surgery may be necessary. After the dog is successfully anesthetized, the vet will shave the fur on the middle of the dog's abdomen, then make an incision along the abdominal center to check for foreign objects or obstructions in the stomach and intestines. Once the foreign object is located, the vet will make a small incision in the stomach or intestines to remove the object. Finally, the incisions in the stomach or intestines and the abdominal wall and skin are sutured. The advantage of surgical removal is that it allows the vet to check the entire gastrointestinal tract for other obstructions. However, it comes with disadvantages, such as postoperative pain, a longer hospital stay for postoperative treatment, and a risk of infection at the stomach or intestinal incisions.

3. After the foreign object is removed, the dog may continue to vomit. In this case, the vet will continue to administer intravenous fluids until the vomiting stops. The dog can then resume normal eating. Additionally, the vet will administer painkillers like butorphanol and antibiotics to alleviate the dog's discomfort.

4. The length of time your dog stays in the hospital depends on the severity of the gastrointestinal injury, typically ranging from 2 to 5 days after surgery.

Home Care for Dogs with Gastrointestinal Foreign Objects:

For dogs that have undergone endoscopic treatment, provide them with a bland diet for 23 days after discharge, then gradually reintroduce their normal diet.

For dogs that have undergone surgery, home care includes incision care. Prevent your dog from licking the stitches by using an Elizabethan collar. Monitor the surgical incision for swelling or discharge. Sutures are generally removed in 710 days, and after that, provide your dog with a bland diet for 23 days before gradually resuming their normal diet.

Prevention of Gastrointestinal Foreign Objects in Dogs:

The best way to prevent gastrointestinal foreign objects is to avoid allowing your dog to come into contact with objects that could be swallowed. Only provide toys that can be chewed but not swallowed.

If you suspect your dog has ingested a foreign object, contact your veterinarian immediately for emergency treatment assistance.

Tip: Click on "How to Adjust a Dog's Diet When Its Stomach Is Bad" to learn more about adjusting your dog's diet for better health.