Gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies are a result of pets ingesting non-digestible objects that cannot easily pass through their stomach or intestines. These objects can range from toys, leashes, clothing, sticks, to even human food items like bones or trash. When these foreign items get stuck in the GI tract, they can lead to severe illness in animals. The complications they cause depend on several factors:
In certain cases, GI foreign bodies, especially string-like ones, can create perforations in the tissue, allowing intestinal contents to spill into the abdomen. This condition rapidly leads to life-threatening inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis) and promotes bacterial growth and contamination (sepsis). While some small foreign bodies can pass naturally, many become lodged within the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort and illness in pets. Foreign bodies in the stomach may sometimes be removed using an endoscope, but most require surgical intervention for extraction. Occasionally, foreign objects may get stuck in the esophagus near the heart or diaphragm, necessitating thoracic surgery.
Clinical signs of GI foreign bodies can vary depending on factors like the degree of obstruction, location, duration, and type of object ingested. Commonly observed signs include:
In cases of linear foreign bodies, a string may be seen wrapped around the base of the tongue or protruding from the anus.
The symptoms of foreign body ingestion or intestinal obstruction can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, making the pet feel generally unwell. Moreover, if the foreign body has caused a perforation in the GI tract, entering the chest or abdominal cavities, the animal may be critically ill, potentially leading to peritonitis, sepsis, and even death. Some foreign bodies are made of materials that can be toxic when absorbed, such as lead or zinc.
To diagnose GI foreign bodies, your primary care veterinarian will typically conduct initial blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry, and urinalysis. These tests help rule out other potential causes of your pet's symptoms. Abdominal and sometimes thoracic radiographs are commonly performed, with positive contrast radiographs (using barium) used when standard radiographs fail to reveal the cause. Abdominal ultrasound can also be beneficial for identifying gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
Surgery isn't always necessary for GI foreign bodies. In some cases, small and smooth objects can pass through the GI tract without causing harm or becoming lodged. Hospitalization for intravenous fluids and monitoring may be recommended in such cases. Additionally, some objects stuck in the upper GI tract can be retrieved through techniques like inducing vomiting or using a flexible endoscope. However, if conservative approaches and endoscopy fail, if the object is not progressing on x-rays, if the obstruction worsens, or if a linear foreign body is suspected, surgical exploration becomes necessary.
Esophageal foreign bodies require chest surgery, while most GI foreign bodies lodged in the stomach or intestines require either a gastrotomy (opening the stomach) or enterotomy (opening the intestine) for removal. In severe cases, where a section of bowel is irreversibly damaged, that section may need to be removed, and the healthy ends reattached through a procedure known as intestinal resection and anastomosis. The decision regarding the specific procedure is made by the surgeon after evaluating all the intestines and other abdominal organs.
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