If your pet has swallowed a foreign object, act quickly. Gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies occur when pets consume items that are non-digestible and cannot easily pass through their stomach or intestines. At Ally Urgent Veterinary Care, we have treated pets that have ingested everything from toys and leashes to sticks, strings and mouthguards.

When these items become lodged in the GI tract, they can cause significant health issues. The severity of the obstruction depends on several factors: how long the object has been present, its location, the degree to which it blocks the GI tract, and the material of the foreign object.

Foreign bodies, especially strings, can sometimes perforate the tissue, leading to spillage of intestinal contents into the abdomen. This can quickly result in life-threatening inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis) and may lead to bacterial proliferation and contamination (sepsis).

While some small foreign bodies may pass naturally, many will become lodged and cause discomfort. To retrieve objects in the stomach, a veterinarian may use an endoscope; however, most cases require surgical exploration and removal. Occasionally, foreign bodies may become lodged in the esophagus at the base of the heart or diaphragm, necessitating thoracic (chest) surgery.

To help prevent such incidents (and a trip to the ER!):

If you suspect your pet has swallowed a foreign object contact your veterinarian immediately. Or call Ally Urgent Veterinary Care at 757-900-ALLY (2559) and check-in online at allyurgentvet.com/check-in.