Article Release: Issue 15
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Written By: Dr. Dong-Woo Jin, DVM, DACVS & Dr. Kamran Babamohammadi, DVM

The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious feasts, but for pet owners, it also comes with hidden risks. Decorations, festive foods, and seasonal excitement can lead curious pets into trouble, especially when it comes to swallowing things they shouldn’t. At Animal Surgical Center (ASC), we see firsthand how these holiday hazards can impact your furry friends. That’s why we’re here to provide compassionate and excellent care to help pets recover from gastrointestinal blockages and other foreign body emergencies.

Pets are naturally curious, and this curiosity can sometimes lead to trouble—especially when they swallow something they shouldn’t. From toys to socks, foreign objects can cause serious gastrointestinal blockages, a condition that requires prompt surgical intervention. At Animal Surgical Center, we specialize in treating these emergencies to help your pet get back to their happy, healthy life. Let’s explore the risks of foreign body ingestion, the signs to look for, and how ASC can provide life-saving care—because your pet’s health and happiness matter most, especially during the holidays.

What is a Foreign Body Blockage?

A foreign body blockage occurs when an object that your pet ingests becomes lodged in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can happen anywhere from the stomach to the intestines and may cause a range of issues, including:

• Severe pain and discomfort
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Lost of appetite
• Lethargy or depression
• Difficulty passing stool or diarrhea

If left untreated, blockages can lead to severe complications such as intestinal perforation, sepsis, or even death.

Common Foreign Bodies That Cause Blockages

Foreign body ingestion happens more often than you might think. Some of the most common culprits include:

• Toys: Small, squeaky toys or fragments can be swallowed, especially by playful dogs.
• Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and lodge in the intestines.
• Clothing: Socks, underwear, and other soft fabrics can tangle in the GI tract.
• Holiday Decorations: Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments can look like toys to pets but pose serious risks.
• Household Items: Coins, rubber bands, and pieces of plastic are all frequently swallowed by curious pets.

How We Diagnose Foreign Body Blockages

At ASC, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and locate foreign objects. Our process includes:

1. Physical Examination: We assess your pet’s symptoms and check for abdominal pain or swelling.
2. Imaging: X-rays and, when necessary, CT scans help us pinpoint the location of the blockage and determine its severity.
3. Lab Work: Pre-surgical bloodwork ensures your pet is stable and ready for anesthesia.

Surgical Intervention for Foreign Bodies

If a foreign body is causing a blockage, surgery is often the only solution. Here’s how the procedure works:

1. Preparation: Our licensed veterinary technicians prepare your pet for surgery with anesthesia, IV fluids, and careful monitoring.
2. Surgery: Our skilled surgeons carefully remove the foreign object and assess the GI tract for any damage, such as tears or perforations, which may require additional repair.
3. Recovery: Once the blockage is removed, your pet is closely monitored during recovery to ensure there are no complications.

The Road To Recovery

After surgery, recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. Here’s what you can expect:

• Hospital Stay: Your pet may stay overnight for observation, depending on the severity of the blockage.
• Post-Operative Care: Our team provides detailed instructions for home care, including medications and dietary adjustments.
• Follow-Up Appointments: We schedule follow-ups to ensure your pet is healing properly and regaining their energy.

Preventing Foreign Body Ingestion

While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of your pet swallowing something dangerous:

• Pet-Proof Your Home: Keep small objects, decorations, and food items out of your pet’s reach.
• Supervise Playtime: Monitor your pet when they’re playing with toys, especially ones that could easily break or be swallowed.
• Choose Safe Toys: Opt for durable, size-appropriate toys that are less likely to cause harm if ingested.

Why Choose Animal Surgical Center for Foreign Body Removal?

At Animal Surgical Center, we’re here to provide excellent care when your pet needs it most. Our highly skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that your pet receives the best possible treatment. However, we know that veterinary care can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to expenses. That’s why we’re committed to working with you to make life-saving procedures accessible to every pet and family in need. Compassionate care is at the heart of everything we do. From keeping you informed every step of the way to sending updates and photos of your pet during recovery, our goal is to give you peace of mind while ensuring your pet gets the best care available. We also welcome pet owners to spend the night in our hospital because we understand that pets are family, and being together during challenging times should always be an option.

If your veterinarian has confirmed that your pet is showing signs of a gastrointestinal blockage, don’t wait—call us immediately to schedule an evaluation. At ASC, your pet’s health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re dedicated to providing the care they need to live their happiest, healthiest life.

Conclusion

Foreign body blockages are a serious but treatable condition. With prompt diagnosis, expert surgical care, and attentive recovery, your pet can return to their happy, healthy self. At Animal Surgical Center, we’re proud to be your trusted partner in providing life-saving care for pets in need.

With Compassion and Care,
Dr. Tomas Infernuso
DVM, DACVS
Animal Surgical Center