Foreign Body Removal in Cats

When an object becomes stuck inside a cat's body (whether due to a penetrating injury or simply being ingested), it may become necessary to perform surgery to remove it. This procedure is commonly referred to as 'foreign body removal' and can take several forms depending on the object's size and location within the cat's body. It also happens to be one of the most common procedures performed on many animals. Surgical removal of a foreign body is typically used as a primary method of treatment, used to prevent further injury to the affected cat.

In advance of the surgery, the vet will precisely locate the object within the cat's body. This will typically be done either by touch or by using an imaging scan such as ultrasound, which will allow them to know about any other damage that may have occurred that could require repair. Before starting, the vet will place the cat under a general anesthetic, giving them control over the animal's posture and orientation. At this point, there are two methods that can be used: endoscopic removal and surgical removal. With an endoscopy, the vet will thread a tube with an attached camera and instrument down the cat's esophagus, grabbing the object directly and pulling it out of the mouth. However, if the object is too tightly wedged or too sharp to pull back up the throat, then the vet will opt for direct surgical removal. In order to do this, they will shave and disinfect a patch of skin on the cat's belly before making a lengthwise incision. Next, they will clamp the wound open before cutting into the stomach or intestine itself. At this point, they can grasp and remove the object and visually inspect the digestive tract for additional damage. To close the wound, the surgeon simply sutures the stomach and skin shut and leaves the cat to heal. In some cases (such as when there is damage to the esophagus), a feeding tube may be left running from the stomach and out of the cat's side. For objects embedded in the cat's skin, the surgeon will generally only need to remove them with tweezers and clean and close the wound.

The effects of the procedure will be quickly apparent, allowing the cat to either digest food or move normally again once it has healed. Furthermore, unless the cat manages to swallow another object, there will be no repetition of the symptoms that have been displayed. That said, there is an alternative method that some owners may choose to try first. Drugs that induce vomiting or diarrhea (such as a powerful laxative) are sometimes used to clear foreign objects out of a cat's gut. That said, if the object is too sharp or too big, then further damage to the digestive system may occur as it travels through the body, making surgery the best option.

Recovery times will vary from animal to animal, though most endoscopy patients will be back to normal within a few days, due to the absence of any surgical incision. Animals that have undergone stomach surgery, however, will need three to four weeks in which to recover. During this time period, their owners will have to provide extensive aftercare, administering drugs such as painkillers to minimize their discomfort and a course of antibiotics in order to prevent an infection. Their levels of activity will also have to be reduced in order to prevent a re-opening of the wound and to conserve their energy. In addition, the cat should be fed a diet of much blander food than normal, in order to avoid putting a strain on their stomach. If a feeding tube has been inserted, then they will require a liquid diet until it is removed after a few weeks.

The price of a foreign body removal will differ from cat to cat, with older animals generally commanding a higher premium. For an endoscopic procedure, owners can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000, depending on the type of object involved and its position within the animal's body. A surgery to remove an object from the gastrointestinal system will cost much more due to the special skill set needed to perform the operation, with prices varying between $800 and $2,000. Surgery to remove objects from external wounds will generally cost less, with many veterinary practices offering treatment for less than six hundred dollars.

It should be kept in mind that whilst the procedure is extremely effective at preventing further damage to the animal, foreign body removal can have some inherent risks. Chief amongst these potential problems is the mild chance that a surgical incision may become infected. Though uncommon if the proper steps are taken to counter hostile bacteria (such as giving the cat antibiotics), such an infection can become life-threatening if not quickly noticed and treated. Another potential problem is the chance of an endoscopic removal causing more damage to the digestive tract as the object is pulled out of the body and thereby causing more health problems. That said, if the procedure is not carried out, then the cat's condition can rapidly deteriorate as the object wreaks havoc in its digestive system.

The main way in which cat owners can prevent their pet from ingesting harmful foreign bodies is to maintain a clean and well-organized living area for the animal. Household waste that could potentially be swallowed by the animal should be thrown away as soon as possible, whilst possibly harmful dirt and debris should be swept up regularly. Though there is little that can be done to protect the cat whilst it is wandering outside of its own accord, owners can work to minimize the amount of clutter and garden waste that may otherwise be lying around their property. Finally, staying aware of a cat's normal behavior and taking notices of sudden changes can help identify and resolve a problem such as a swallowed object before it becomes a threat.