Foreign Body

Dogs, being indiscriminant eaters, commonly eat things that are not meant for ingestion. Surprisingly, many foreign objects travel through the gastrointestinal tract unnoticed. Occasionally, however, foreign objects enter the stomach and become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract as the lumen narrows down. Dogs with a foreign body causing an obstruction may be painful, lethargic, and vomit repeatedly. Prompt veterinary attention is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the intestinal tract. Diagnosis of foreign body ingestion requires a physical examination and imaging (e.g.: radiographs of the abdomen). If the foreign body is causing an obstruction or contains toxins, then prompt surgical removal is necessary. Some foreign bodies in the stomach may be removed with endoscopy, a flexible scope that can be manipulated through the upper portions of the gastro intestinal tract.