Canines study their surroundings by mouthing, tasting, and chewing, and as a result, they consume potentially hazardous foreign objects. When a toy breaks or anything falls on the ground, dogs may swallow foreign objects. Used tampons and even grease-stained aluminum foil entice pups who paw through garbage cans searching for leftovers. Foreign body obstruction in dogs is a medical emergency that can cost you money and your pet’s life if not handled immediately.
What should I do if my dog swallows anything foreign?
You must immediately notify your veterinarian about this scenario. Even if you fear your dog has consumed something, you must contact your veterinarian right once. You will be advised on the likelihood of the object being struck and the best course of action for you to get more info.
Why see the veterinarian immediately?
If your normal veterinarian is unavailable, contact a 24-hour dog and cat emergency vet and describe the situation. The ideal course of action permits professionals to assess the situation accurately. The owner should not wait for the object to pass on its own. Do not induce vomiting without the advice of a veterinarian, as certain foreign things can inflict just as much injury when evacuated.
What will the veterinarian perform to diagnose the situation?
Once the clinical examination, symptoms, and information on the foreign substance and its likely location have been established, your veterinarian will be able to notify you of the necessary treatment for your pet.
If your pet is otherwise healthy and has recently swallowed the object, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe vomit-inducing medication to prevent a blockage farther down the intestines. Objects lodged in the mouth, such as a bone hooked on a tooth, can be easily retrieved during a consultation or under sedation or local anesthetic by a dog orthopedic surgeon. Other times, if the foreign object is small enough, you can watch your dog’s appetite, clinical symptoms, and feces to ensure that it has passed safely.
Your dog may need a blood test to rule out other possible causes of clinical symptoms and to check for electrolyte imbalances, degree of dehydration, and other foreign body-related concerns. Fluids supplied intravenously will aid in rehydrating your pet.
Your veterinarian may recommend abdominal x-rays to help understand abdominal issues. They will look for both the foreign object and changes in the intestinal gas pattern. If a foreign body or obstruction is not readily visible, a contrast agent or barium test may be recommended. An abdomen ultrasound can also help examine the stomach and guide treatment. Flexible endoscopes can detect and remove esophageal foreign substances.
Urgent surgery to remove the foreign body from the intestines may be recommended to avoid blockage and serious complications. The more prolonged the foreign body is present, the more unpleasant the outcome. A section of the colon may need to be removed if it is deemed sick and likely to deteriorate following surgery. A ruptured gut and the resulting peritonitis have a substantially worse prognosis.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Foreign object emergencies are best avoided. Dogs use their tongues to investigate their surroundings and devour inedible items. Because kids eat so many different things, eliminating all temptation may be impossible. If your dog enjoys wearing socks and underwear, keep them out of his reach. Keep skewered meat out of reach; they’ll also devour the skewer. Check that your pet cannot ingest new toys, rawhide, or dental chews.
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