Foreign Bodies in Dogs and Cats: Recognizing the Signs of a Gastrointestinal Obstruction
“I was only gone for five minutes...”
If you share your daily life with a dog or a cat, this thought has probably crossed your mind before. You walk back into the living room and… the remote is gone. The sock that was drying has mysteriously vanished. The ribbon from the birthday present is no longer on the table. As for that earbud you’ve been looking for for the past two days? It might very well be in a place you’d never have thought of: your pet’s stomach. Our pets have an impressive ability to turn the most mundane household items into snacks. And while some objects pass through the digestive system without a problem, others can cause a serious blockage, requiring emergency surgery. So, how can you recognize a problem? Why are some objects much more dangerous than others? And most importantly, why is time such a critical factor? We’ll explain it all.
When the Digestive System Becomes a Box of Surprises
All of these ingested objects have a name: digestive foreign bodies. They are simply objects that end up in the digestive system when they should never have been there. The problem? The digestive tract is not designed to digest such objects. When a foreign body becomes lodged, it blocks the passage of food, liquids, and gases. This is called a digestive obstruction, a situation that can quickly become a medical emergency.
The Journey of a Swallowed Object
To better understand why certain foreign objects are so problematic, let’s imagine the path a piece of food takes. After being swallowed, it passes through:
the mouth;
the esophagus;
the stomach;
the small intestine;
and then the large intestine before being eliminated.
This pathway is relatively narrow in several places. Some objects are too large to pass through. Others are too rigid or sharp, which can cause even more problems.
For more details on foreign body surgeries:
Strings: Cats' Number One Enemy
If there were a championship for dangerous objects, strings would probably win the gold medal when it comes to cats. Sewing thread, rope, dental floss, or even gift ribbon—all of these items can act as linear foreign bodies.
These objects seem to hold an almost irresistible fascination for cats. The problem is that this type of string can get stuck under the tongue while the rest continues on its way through the intestine. Imagine a rope tied at one end while someone tries to pull on it from the other.
Each normal contraction of the intestine causes the intestines to “accordion” around the string. Veterinarians call this intestinal plication.
In the most severe cases, the string acts almost like a blade that gradually saws through the intestine, causing multiple perforations. That’s why a simple piece of string can be a much more serious emergency than one might think.
How can I tell if my pet has a blockage?
Sometimes, the diagnosis is simple. You see your dog gobble down an entire sock before you even have time to react. But in many cases, no one saw anything. The early signs are often quite subtle, but your pet may quickly seem less energetic. It may also exhibit:
diarrhea;
a lack of bowel movements;
abdominal pain;
an unusual posture;
lethargy.
When an object is lodged in the esophagus, the signs may be slightly different. The pet will regurgitate almost immediately after swallowing food, drool excessively, or appear to have difficulty swallowing. In any case, it’s best to seek veterinary care promptly rather than waiting for “it to go away.”
How do veterinarians identify the culprit?
X-rays often allow for the direct visualization of certain objects or the detection of indirect signs of an obstruction. When the foreign body is less visible on an X-ray, ultrasound becomes an extremely valuable tool. Indeed, certain objects, due to their composition, are not visible on X-rays. Ultrasound can then be used to observe bowel movement, indirect signs of obstruction, or the well-known intestinal plication in cats. These tests then help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Is it possible to avoid surgery?
Fortunately, yes... sometimes. If the foreign object is still located in the esophagus or stomach and has a suitable shape, it can be removed via endoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a camera through the mouth under deep sedation to retrieve the object without opening the abdomen. However, when the foreign object has already traveled further down the digestive tract, surgery is often the best option.
Each case is different, and the surgical plan is tailored to the animal’s specific situation. Depending on the location of the foreign object, the surgeon may retrieve it from the stomach or from the intestines.
Time plays a huge role. The longer the foreign object remains lodged, the more pressure builds up on the tissues, the more blood flow decreases, and the more fragile the tissues become. They may even die. In the most advanced cases, the intestine may perforate, allowing bacteria to spread throughout the abdomen. This complication, known as septic peritonitis, is a major emergency that requires intensive care.
Conversely, when a foreign object is removed quickly, the chances of recovery are excellent. That’s why veterinarians often repeat the same phrase:
“It’s better to consult a vet for nothing than to consult one too late.”
What happens after surgery?
Good news! The vast majority of animals recover remarkably well after surgery to remove a foreign object. After a few days in the hospital, they quickly return to their usual selves.
Can this kind of accident be prevented?
It’s impossible to control everything, but a few habits can greatly reduce the risks. Keep all the items mentioned above out of reach. For dogs that are particularly food-motivated, providing appropriate toys and enriching their environment often helps reduce ingestion behaviors. For cats, putting away strings after playtime is an excellent habit.
In short: when something goes missing... it's best to stay alert!
Our dogs and cats are curious, playful… and sometimes surprisingly creative when it comes to swallowing things they shouldn’t. Most of the time, prompt treatment leads to a full recovery and a return home within a few days. On the other hand, waiting until serious symptoms appear can complicate treatment and increase the risk of complications. So, if your pet swallows a sock, a string, a toy, or any other unusual object, don’t leave it to chance.
At Coupez, we’re always available to answer your questions. If your pet needs emergency surgery, call us to check our availability.
