Canines investigate their environment by mouthing, tasting, and chewing, and as a result, they swallow potentially harmful foreign things. Dogs may consume foreign things when a toy breaks or something falls on the ground. Used tampons and even grease-stained aluminum foil appeal to pups that rummage through garbage cans in search of leftovers. Foreign body obstruction in dogs can be a medical emergency that could cost you money and your pet’s life if it is not treated immediately.
What should I do if my dog swallows anything foreign?
You must contact Inland Valley Veterinary Specialists immediately to inform them of this situation. Even if you suspect that your dog may have ingested something, you must contact your veterinarian immediately. You will be advised on the likelihood of the object being struck and the best line of action.
Why see the veterinarian immediately?
If your regular veterinarian is unavailable, call a 24-hour emergency vet and explain the situation. The best course of action allows professionals to examine the problem accurately. The owner should not wait for the object to pass on its own. Do not induce vomiting without a veterinarian’s approval, as certain foreign objects can cause just as much damage when they are expelled.
What will the veterinarian perform to diagnose the situation?
Once the clinical examination, symptoms, and information about the foreign body and its likely location have been compiled, your veterinarian will be able to notify you of the necessary treatment for your pet.
If your pet is otherwise healthy and has recently consumed the object, your veterinarian may be able to administer vomit-inducing medicine to prevent a blockage farther down the intestines. Objects lodged in the mouth, such as a bone caught on a tooth, can be extracted easily during a consultation or under sedation or local anesthesia. Other times, if the foreign object is small enough, it is possible to monitor your dog’s appetite, clinical signs, and feces to confirm that it has gone safely.
Your pet might need a blood test to rule out other potential reasons for the clinical symptoms and screen for electrolyte imbalances, degree of dehydration, and other foreign body-related issues. Fluids administered intravenously will help rehydrate your pet.
Your veterinarian may recommend abdominal x-rays to better understand abdominal conditions. They will search for both the foreign object and alterations in the intestinal gas pattern. Sometimes a contrast agent or barium examination is recommended to outline a foreign body or highlight a blockage if it is not immediately apparent. An ultrasound of the abdomen can also be beneficial for evaluating the abdomen and guiding treatment. Flexible endoscopes can diagnose and remove esophageal foreign bodies.
Urgent surgery may be advised to remove the foreign body from the intestines to prevent blockage and serious complications. The longer the presence of the foreign body persists, the more troublesome the outcome. Sometimes a piece of the colon must be removed because it is deemed unhealthy and likely to deteriorate after surgery. A burst intestine and the ensuing peritonitis carry a significantly worse prognosis. Look up”orthopedic vet near me” if you are in need of an orthopedic vet.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Prevention is best for foreign object emergencies. Dogs explore the world with their tongues and eat inedible objects. Because they eat so many things, removing all temptation may be impossible. Keep socks and underwear out of your dog’s reach if he likes them. Keep skewered meat out of reach; they’ll eat the skewer too. Make sure your pet can’t swallow new toys, rawhide, and dental chews.
