09/07/2025
YES! You guessed it right. Rubber duckies!
SOME INFORMATION ON GASTROINTESTINAL BLOCKAGE AND FOREIGN BODIES
Gastrointestinal blockages are potentially life-threatening conditions that arise when your pet ingests foreign bodies. These blockages can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, and can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. Understanding the risks, early signs, and treatment options are important to keep your pet healthy and take the right decision when an emergency arises.
Cats and dogs have different preferences when it comes to foreign bodies. Cats are particularly fond of string and ribbon, which can cause linear foreign body obstructions. Linear foreign bodies can anchor at one end, often under the tongue, while the other end continues to travel through the intestines. Eventually, the intestines can pleat like an accordion, leading to perforation and severe internal damage. Long-haired cats are also prone to hairball obstructions. Dogs, on the other hand, are less picky and eat almost anything. Common foreign objects found in dogs include socks, underwear, toys, bones, and even more unusual items like...rubber duckies... Corn cobs are also common foreign bodies in dogs. They get stuck in the small intestines, block and can lead to punctures or bursts.
The signs that a pet may have ingested a foreign body vary depending on the location and severity of the obstruction. Common signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Signs can be subtle or severe, and they can worsen over time if the blockage is not addressed.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign body, we will likely perform a physical examination and take some X-rays. X-rays may show fluid and gas buildup, which are signs of a foreign body obstruction. If X-rays are inconclusive, an abdominal ultrasound may be used to further investigate the cause of the signs.
Several treatment options are available. If the foreign body is in the esophagus or stomach and is not too large or dangerous, they can sometimes be removed by endoscopy. A long, flexible camera is inserted in the esophagus and stomach to locate and remove the object. If endoscopy is not possible, surgery is likely necessary. The type of surgery depends on the location of the foreign object. If the foreign body is in the stomach, a gastrotomy may be performed. The stomach is a better-healing organ than the small intestine, so the risk of complications is lower. If the foreign body is in the intestines, an enterotomy may be required. This involves making an incision in the intestines to remove the object. In severe cases, where the intestines have been irreversibly damaged, resection and anastomosis may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged section of the intestines and reconnecting the healthy ends. If the object is causing complete blockage, leading to severe signs like vomiting, dehydration, and shock, surgery is often the only option. Additionally, if the object has been in the GI tract for an extended period, the risk of complications such as perforation and septic peritonitis increases, making surgery essential.
The most serious risk of surgery to remove a foreign body is that the intestines could leak from the site of removal causing severe infection in the abdomen. The historically reported risk of intestinal leakage is 5-15%, and is the highest 3-5 days after surgery. Other potential complications include skin infections, incision openings, general anesthesia risks, and suture breakage if the pet is too active during the healing period.
Upon return to home, your pet will likely need 2 weeks of confinement and rest to allow the incision to heal. Additionally, your pet may be required to wear an E-collar to prevent them from licking or biting the incision site. Most pets start to feel better quickly after the foreign body is removed. However, the GI tract may be inflamed and irritated, leading to persistent nausea, loss of appetite, and regurgitation of food or fluid for a few days. It’s also common for them not to defecate for up to a week following the surgery. It’s important to ensure your pet remains rehydrated and has normal electrolyte levels during recovery.
Remember that some pets are repeat offenders and may require additional measures, such as a basket muzzle, to prevent them from ingesting foreign bodies. Pets do not learn from their mistakes, so it’s important to keep objects out of reach.
Sugar Maple Veterinary Center in Williston, VT
