The puppy swallowed a foreign object. If the puppy swallowed something

  • The date: 26.06.2020

Dogs are curious by nature. They love to explore new places, smells and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead to trouble. Dogs are renowned for their ability to swallow paper, fabrics, clothing, sticks, bones, food packaging, rocks, and other foreign objects. Many of these objects pass through the animal's gastrointestinal tract without problems. And this happens quite often when dog owners report various objects in the animal's stool or vomit.

However, it is also quite common and can be life threatening for a dog when a foreign body obstructs its gastrointestinal tract. Although most foreign bodies leave the dog's gastrointestinal tract unhindered, obstruction, or constipation, that may result from a foreign object can only be resolved with surgical removal.

How do you know if a dog has eaten a foreign body?

  • Most pets that have ingested a foreign body will show some of the following symptoms:
  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal soreness
  • Decreased appetite or anorexia
  • Straining during bowel movements and small amounts of stool
  • Weakness
  • Behavioral changes, such as biting or growling when touching the abdomen

How is the condition diagnosed?

After taking a thorough medical history, the veterinarian will most likely perform a complete physical exam on the dog. If a foreign body is suspected, an abdominal x-ray will be taken. In addition, the veterinarian may recommend blood and urine tests if the dog's health has deteriorated, or to look for other causes such as pancreatitis, enteritis, infections, or hormonal disorders such as Addison's disease.

Treatment of the condition

If obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract due to a foreign body has been diagnosed or suspected, then exploratory surgery may be recommended.

The amount of time is critical because obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract often compromises the animal's health and "cuts off" the blood supply to many vital tissues. If the blood supply is interrupted for more than a few hours, then these tissues can begin to die, which can cause irreparable damage to the body or cause shock.

In some cases, the foreign body may move on its own. In this case, the veterinarian may recommend hospitalization of the dog to ensure close monitoring of its condition.

What are the predictions?

The forecast is based on:

  1. The location of the foreign body
  2. Duration of obstruction
  3. Size, shape and characteristics of the foreign body
  4. The health status of the dog before it swallowed the foreign body

Your veterinarian should give you a detailed treatment plan as well as an accurate prognosis based on your pet's condition.

A foreign body is a common pathology with which our patients come to the reception.

The objects that pets can swallow are very diverse in shape and structure. In dogs, these are toys, bones, sticks, pieces of wall and floor decoration, socks, tights, stones.

It is important to contact the veterinary clinic in time if the dog has swallowed a foreign body, because the presence of a foreign object in the gastrointestinal tract injures the intestines and stomach, disrupts peristalsis and the passage of food. If a foreign body is present in a dog for several days, then there may be a serious inflammation of the intestine up to the necrosis of its wall and sepsis. There is also a perforation of the intestine with a foreign body. This is a very serious complication that requires immediate surgical treatment.

Therefore, if a dog has swallowed a foreign body “in front of” the owner, it is necessary to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Symptoms.

1. Refusal to eat.
2. Vomiting, especially repeated.
3. Often - no stool.
4. Possible lethargy
5. Pain in the abdomen is possible

Only one or more of these symptoms may be present.

However, the animal may retain appetite and stool if the foreign object blockage is incomplete. Especially if the foreign body is in the dog's stomach. A foreign body in the intestines of a dog gives more often more pronounced symptoms, because the lumen is narrower there and the blockage affects its function more.

The same symptoms can be characteristic of many other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and not only. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the animal comprehensively, excluding other possible diseases.

Diagnostics.

Diagnosis of foreign bodies in animals includes x-rays in a direct and lateral projection, panoramic and with contrast, blood tests, a test for pancreatic lipase. Perhaps an abdominal ultrasound, tests for viral infections. These examinations will allow to differentiate the presence of a foreign body from a viral infection, pancreatitis, liver and kidney diseases, inflammation of the stomach and intestines without the participation of a foreign body. Studies should be done as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms, because with a long presence of a foreign object in the stomach or intestines, serious complications are possible.

The main confirmation of the presence of a foreign object is usually found on x-rays. Some objects are radiopaque, that is, visible on plain radiographs. It's metal and rubber. Many of them are not visible in ordinary pictures; it is required to give contrast and shoot in dynamics. As a contrast, an aqueous solution of barium sulfate is used, which is given at the appointment by the doctor or the owners of the animal themselves. The first picture should be taken after 15 minutes. If a foreign object is in the esophagus, the barium will stop at its level or stain it. If the barium passed to the stomach during this time, did not stop, did not settle on a foreign object, the next picture is taken after 4 hours (the passage of contrast through the small intestine is assessed) and after 8 (by this time the contrast should go into the rectum). If barium sulfate does not pass any site, suspect a foreign body in the stomach or intestines of the dog.

Treatment.

If the foreign object is small, smaller than the diameter of the small intestine, and not long, it may be spontaneously removed. To speed up the process, you can give vaseline oil at the rate of 1 ml per kg of weight. If it is large, surgery is required.

Prevention consists in removing all potentially dangerous objects from the animal’s access zone and not allowing sticks and stones, other inedible objects to be picked up on the street.

Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract in domestic animals, in particular dogs and cats,this is not a rare and quite unpleasant problem, both for the animal and the owner of the animal. Our younger friends can't always tell the line between what to eat and what not to eat.suitable. Cats often swallow threads with needles, hair ties, rain, tinsel, toys. The dog can swallow a bone, a ball, clothes (socks, mittensand, gloves, rags), poro lon from a sunbed and other items. All this, once in the oral cavity and further into gastrointestinal tract can cause serious problems for your pet.

What kind clinical signs can indicate the presence of a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract in an animal?

Long p vomit and nausea after feeding and drinking, depressionanimal (little active, more lying, whining), sometimes acute pain (many foreign objects injure the wall of the organ, thereby causing acute pain).

Some viral and infectious diseases may have a similar clinical picture., therefore, the question arises in differential diagnosis.

What does differential diagnosis include?

  1. X-ray abdominal organs with radiopaquesubstance (barium sulfate). A certain amount of barium is given inside, then a series of x-rays are taken (there is a special protocol); the foreign body is stained, the patency of the substance through the gastrointestinal tract is visible. Using this method, you can accurately determine the presence and localization of a foreign body.In order to obtain accurate information using x-rays, it is necessary to take them correctly: in the lateral projection, the images are taken strictly on the right side, in the direct projection - on the back.All foreign bodies can be divided intoradiopaque(which are clearly visible on x-rays), and onradiopaque(which are not visible on x-rays). Numerous processes occur in the animal's body, due to which the visualization of a foreign body can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to understand the importanceradiopaquea substance that makes it easy to find a foreign object ingastrointestinal tract animal.
  2. abdominal ultrasound (Ultrasound may detect pendulum movements in the gastrointestinal tract, which may indicate the presence of foreign bodies);
  3. Palpation. Most often, this method is used very rarely, t. to is not particularly informative, and may be dangerous to the life of the animal(sharp objects: glass, needle can injure the wall of the organ).

What are the consequences can you face this problem?

Gastritis, ulcerative gastritis (due to damage to the stomach wall); "pockets" in the esophagus; necrosis of the intestinal wallfinding a foreign body, intestinal rupture (in one or more places); peritonitis as a result intestinal rupture with all its contents; fatal outcome.

What to do if a dog or cat has swallowed a foreign object?

There are several ways to remove foreign bodies from the digestive tract of a pet:

  1. Endoscopic removalforeign bodies from the esophagus and stomach gastroscope. Without cutting the abdominal cavity, the foreign body is removedthrough the mouth (pharynx and esophagus).This method is less traumatic for the animal, and allows you to examine the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach) of the animal, without surgery, i.e. without cuts.
  2. If a foreign body is located in a hard-to-reach place (small intestine), then its removal is possible only with the help of laparotomy (an incision of the abdominal wall is made, a visual examination of the abdominal organs, finding a foreign body with its subsequent extraction). It is important to note the importance of further therapy (a starvation diet, proper dietary nutrition, courses of droppers and antibiotics) - all this is very important for the speedy recovery of the pet.

Despite the high and rapid development of veterinary medicine in the world, it is not always possible to save the life of a pet. As a rule, most owners, when one of the signs (listed above) appear, often do not go to veterinary clinics, hoping that "everything will pass with time, it's a cat / dog"or due to lack of information. Late visit to the veterinary clinicwhen the first signs of the disease appear, may cause to great consequences. Every owner, future owner, needs to know that we are responsible for those we have tamed, and the life of the animal directly depends on our actions. Behavioral change, refusal to eat, vomiting and many other signs are the first warning signs for you, the owners., that your four-legged friend may be seriously ill and urgently need to see a veterinarian.

Dogs are naturally very curious. but sometimes their curiosity leads to trouble. this is especially true for dogs - "vacuum cleaners" who eat a lot of strange things. what kind of items did the doctors of our clinics get from the gastrointestinal tract of dogs - socks, underpants, bags, ropes, threads, needles, toys, bones, sticks and many other finds!

The symptoms of a foreign body in a dog depend very much on whether the object is in the mouth, throat or esophagus, stomach or intestines.

A foreign body in a dog's mouth is usually sticks or bones that are stuck between the dog's back teeth. One of the first signs is frequent movement of the jaw, profuse salivation, the dog rubs its muzzle with its paws, and there may also be slight bleeding from the mouth. Don't try to remove the stick or bone yourself! Even if you manage to loosen the object, it may move to the throat. Contact the nearest veterinary clinic "Your Doctor", a doctor's examination is necessary, sedation may also be required to remove a foreign body from the dog's mouth.

A foreign body in a dog's throat often causes signs of sudden choking and nausea. this condition often requires urgent intervention! As a first aid, the owner can lift the dog by the hind legs and shake it, in an emergency, you can sharply squeeze the chest several times from the sides.

Foreign body in the dog's esophagus: signs - vomiting after eating, dehydration. To check whether your animal is dehydrated or not, gather a skin fold at the withers of the dog and release it, it should return to its normal position quickly.

When a foreign body in a dog is in the trachea and lungs, the general oppression of the animal increases at an alarming rate. You must immediately consult a doctor!

A foreign body in a dog's stomach is more difficult to diagnose. Some foreign bodies can stay in the stomach for several years without visible problems. But if the foreign body moves, it can lead to occasional vomiting.

A foreign body in a dog in the small intestine usually causes indomitable vomiting, dehydration, and severe pain in the abdominal wall.

A foreign body in a dog in the rectum: if these are sharp objects - sticks, bone fragments, needles, etc. - the dog repeatedly stoops, constipation, blood in the stool are possible. It is important for owners to follow the rule: never pull a foreign object that protrudes from your pet's rectum! This can be very dangerous, up to intestinal rupture. Contact your nearest vet clinic.

Foreign body in a dog. Causes and symptoms

Almost all foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract are items that are consumed by the animal. One exception is trichobezoars (hairballs). Threads and ropes swallowed by your dog often wrap around the root of the tongue. Carefully inspect the pet's oral cavity!

Symptoms that require a visit to the veterinarian:

  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • Pain in the abdomen (the dog does not allow himself to be picked up, hunches his back)
  • Anorexia (lack or loss of appetite)
  • Straining during bowel movements, constipation
  • lethargy
  • Dehydration

Foreign body in a dog. Diagnostics

Diagnosis requires a complete blood count, biochemical blood test, urinalysis. These findings help rule out other causes of vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal pain. X-rays must be performed using a contrast agent.

A foreign body in a dog that causes intestinal obstruction, prolonged vomiting, diarrhea can lead to significant metabolic changes in the body. In addition, a foreign body can cause perforation of the organ wall and enter the chest or abdominal cavity, which leads to deep complications such as peritonitis, sepsis and death. Many foreign bodies consist of toxic materials that are absorbed by the body - this leads to deep systemic diseases.

Foreign body in a dog. Treatment options

There are several treatment options depending on your dog's condition. With a recent ingestion of foreign objects, you can try to induce vomiting. It is also necessary to drink mineral oil, which facilitates the passage of foreign bodies through the gastrointestinal tract within 48 hours.

Some objects can be removed with an endoscope. If the animal has such symptoms as vomiting with blood, severe pain, then intravenous infusions and the introduction of painkillers are necessary. The veterinarian will suggest hospitalization of your dog for observation in the clinic. The decision to operate is usually made on the basis of x-rays and ultrasound results. A blockage in the intestines or stomach can reduce blood flow to the GI tissues, which can become necrotic. If the foreign body is in the stomach or intestines, the object is removed by making an incision in the intestines or stomach. If there are necrotic tissues and parts of the intestine, they are also removed.

After the operation, intensive therapy is carried out with intravenous fluids, painkillers, antibiotics are administered. Feeding of the dog after the operation is started in 1-2 days. It is advisable to use special dietary diets for the first time.

Foreign body in a dog. Forecast

In most cases, dogs with foreign bodies that do not cause blockage have a good prognosis. However, in general, the prognosis depends on several factors:

  • property location
  • the duration of the blockage caused by the object
  • size, shape and characteristics of the object
  • whether or not the object will cause secondary diseases
  • the general health of the dog before the foreign body

Foreign body in a dog. Prevention

  • eliminate bones from the diet
  • don't let your dog chew on sticks
  • watch the animal during games and walks, if the dog is prone to vagrancy, put a muzzle on it
  • Ask your veterinarian for advice on choosing toys that are harmless to your dog.
  • if the dog often eats strange objects, consult the doctors of our clinics, a general metabolic disorder is possible

And remember, your pet's life is in your hands.

When a foreign object enters the stomach of an animal, its work is disturbed, which is characterized by the absence of its peristalsis, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, the stomach thickens, and edema develops. In the place where the foreign body got into the cat and the dog, ulcers develop, the tissues begin to necrotic. In place of the necrotic area of ​​tissue thinning occurs perforation of the walls of the stomach and, as a consequence, peritonitis.

If a cat or dog swallowed a foreign body and it remained in the stomach, then irritating the mucous membrane, after a while a characteristic symptom appears - vomiting after eating. A foreign body with sharp corners causes severe pain, as well as a violation of the integrity of the walls of the stomach. The presence of such an object in the stomach injures the walls, and the animal's feces are blackish with streaks of blood and mucus. In some cases, foreign bodies lie in the stomach for a long time, without causing almost any characteristic symptoms and obstruction. But during this period, the animal may occasionally experience vomiting, gradual dehydration occurs, the coat grows dull, anemia develops, and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity turn pale. The animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, a characteristic gait appears less mobile. Visually, there is a feeling of a “humped back”, this is due to constant pain in the stomach area (P.Ya. Grigoriev, E.P. Yakovenko 1997; N.V. Danilevskaya, 2001).

With partial intestinal obstruction, the animals develop loose stools, periodically manifesting vomiting of undigested (or semi-digested) food, seething in the abdomen, pain. Complete obstruction is characterized by the absence of defecation; when food is consumed, vomiting occurs after a while. The abdomen is tense, painful, there is a strong seething (I.V. Kozlovsky, 1989; F.I. Komarov, 1992; V.A. Gubkin 1995).

The main diagnosis of finding a foreign body in the stomach in dogs is radiography and, as an auxiliary diagnosis, an examination on an ultrasound machine.

X-ray examination in case of suspected presence of a foreign body in the stomach is carried out using a contrast agent, mainly barium sulfate is used in veterinary medicine.

Technique for X-ray examination. Before the study, it is necessary to keep the animal on a 12-24 hour fasting diet. Diet reduces gas formation, and in X-rays, gas bubbles will not distort the images, casting shadows and causing blackouts in the pictures. Barium sulfate is diluted with milk or curdled milk in an amount of 25-150 grams of the substance, depending on the weight of the dog or cat and the topography of the study. This mixture is fed, either freely if the animal is eating, or forcefully using a probe or syringe 30-60 minutes before the study (L.P. Mareskos, 1999; G.V. Ratobylsky, 1995; G.A. Zegdenidze, 2000 ).

Pictures are taken in a standing position of the body or in a lying position on the right side. Several pictures are taken from different positions, if necessary, then pictures are taken after 30 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours and 24 hours. This frequency gives the exact location of the blockage in the gastrointestinal tract.

The method of radiographic examination with a contrast agent makes it possible to clearly determine the presence of a foreign body in the stomach, regardless of its size (Appendix 1) (K. Khan, C. Herd 2006; G. A. Zegdenidze, 2000).

An ultrasound examination is also carried out.

Technique for ultrasound examination. Before the study, the preparation of the animal is carried out, it consists in a 12-18 hour fasting diet with activated charcoal or drugs that reduce gas formation. The animal is laid on its right side, the hair is cut off at the place where the sensor passes, this is necessary in order for the image to be clearer (Appendix 2) (F. Barr, 1999; B.C. Kamyshnikov, 2000; A.Ya. Althausen, 1995).


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