Foreign Body Ingestion
Foreign body ingestion occurs when pets swallow objects that are not meant to be eaten.
What is Foreign Body Ingestion in Pets?
When consumed by pets, objects can become lodged in the digestive tract, potentially causing a blockage, irritation, or injury. Depending on the size and location of the foreign body, the situation can be life-threatening, requiring prompt medical attention.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we provide expert and emergency treatment to help your pet.
Signs Your Pet May Have Ingested a Foreign Body
The symptoms of foreign body ingestion can vary based on the object and its location in the digestive tract but may include:
🐾 Gastrointestinal signs – Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or constipation
🐾 Abdominal discomfort – Bloating, pain, or a hard, swollen abdomen
🐾 Behavioral changes – Restlessness, lethargy, excessive drooling
🐾 Signs of distress – Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or gagging
🐾 Lack of bowel movements – Inability to pass stool or straining
If a foreign body is blocking the intestines, it can lead to severe consequences, including shock and organ failure.
What Causes Foreign Body Ingestion?
Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can ingest a variety of foreign objects. Common foreign bodies include:
🐾 Hair Ties – Cats, especially kittens, may find hair ties irresistible and swallow them, leading to blockages in the intestines.
🐾 Socks & Underwear – Both dogs and cats may chew on or swallow socks, which can cause intestinal obstruction.
🐾 Corn Cobs – Commonly ingested by dogs, corn cobs are large and can get stuck in the stomach or intestines.
🐾 Ribbon or string – Cats often play with ribbons or strings, which they may ingest, causing intestinal damage or blockage.
🐾 Bones – Chewing on bones may cause choking or gastrointestinal injury, depending on the type and size.
🐾 Plastic or Rubber Objects – Toys, packaging, or plastic items are often ingested, causing potential blockages or injury.
When to See a Vet
Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet has:
✔ Swallowed a foreign object and is showing signs of distress
✔ Vomiting repeatedly or refusing to eat
✔ Abdominal swelling, pain, or tenderness
✔ Difficulty defecating or hasn’t passed stool for an extended period
✔ Gagging, coughing, or difficulty swallowing
The sooner a foreign body is removed, the better the prognosis for your pet. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.
Professional Foreign Body Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we provide rapid and effective treatment for foreign body ingestion, which may include:
Diagnostic imaging
To locate the foreign body and assess the severity of the situation
Inducing Vomiting
the object may be able to be removed by causing your dog to vomit.
Supportive Care
Some foreign bodies may be able to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. If so, we will help your pet with any discomfort and provide advice on how you can help as an owner.
Surgery
If lodged in the intestines, abdominal surgery may be required to remove it.
How to Prevent Foreign Body Ingestion
You can take steps to reduce the risk:
🐾 Keep Small Objects Out of Reach – Store socks, hair ties, ribbons, and other small items in secure places
🐾 Supervise Playtime – Ensure your pets don’t chew on inappropriate objects, like bones or toys not designed for pets
🐾 Safe Chew Toys – Provide safe, durable chew toys for your pet to prevent them from chewing on dangerous items
🐾 Training and Redirection – Teach your dog or cat to avoid certain behaviors like chewing on non-food items
🐾 Avoid Feeding Bones – Never give your pets bones, especially cooked bones, which can splinter and cause injury
If your pet experiences early signs of foreign body ingestion, call our vets for immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, you should seek immediate veterinary care. Swallowed socks can cause serious blockages and may require medical intervention to remove them.
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Look for symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, or difficulty defecating. If your cat is showing any signs of distress, contact your vet immediately.
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While many rubber and plastic toys are safe, always supervise your dog during playtime to ensure they don’t swallow pieces of the toy that could cause a blockage.
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Yes, if a foreign body causes a blockage or injury in the digestive tract, it can lead to long-term issues, such as infection, scar tissue, or even death if untreated. Prompt veterinary treatment is essential.
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Cooked bones can splinter easily when chewed. These splinters can cause serious injuries to your pet's mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. They may also lead to blockages, choking, or internal bleeding. It’s safest to avoid giving your pet cooked bones.
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📍 Clinic Location: 134 Broadway, Nedlands, WA
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If your pet has ingested anything abnormal, call your local vet immediately!
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