05/29/2026
Lily presented with trouble swallowing and drooling. X-rays showed an abnormal opacity in the esophagus. Further investigation with endoscopy showed a string toy that became lodged in the esophagus. Thankfully, we were able to remove it minimally invasively without the need for surgery. Lily made a full recovery and is living her best life!
Foreign body ingestion is one of the most common emergencies we see in dogs, especially curious puppies and aggressive chewers. Prompt treatment is critical because obstructions can lead to severe inflammation, perforation, or life-threatening complications.
Common foreign bodies in dogs include:
• String/rope toys
• Socks and underwear
• Corn cobs
• Tennis balls and small toys
• Rawhide and bones
• Hair ties and scrunchies
• Rocks and sticks
• Clothing fabric and stuffing
How to help prevent GI obstructions:
• Supervise pets with chew toys
• Discard damaged toys immediately
• Keep laundry and small objects out of reach
• Avoid giving high-risk chews or bones
• Use appropriately sized toys
• Crate train pets that chew destructively when unsupervised
• Seek veterinary care quickly if vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, or repeated swallowing develops
Early intervention saves lives — and in some cases allows for endoscopic retrieval instead of surgery.
