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Ingested Foreign Body Removal in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 05/03/2017Updated: 09/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Ingested Foreign Body Removal?
An ingested foreign body can cause a number of symptoms and complications in dogs, from simple nausea to a dangerous internal injury or intestinal obstruction. In cases which an object or foreign body is not passed or expelled naturally, it may be necessary to have a veterinarian remove the object manually to prevent serious illness, injury, toxicity, or infection.
The method used to remove a foreign body will depend on the nature and location of the object. In some cases, materials can be removed easily from a dog’s mouth, while a scope or open surgery may be needed in more serious cases when objects have traveled farther down the digestive tract. These procedures are commonly performed by veterinarians in general practice, though a referral to a specialist may be needed for some surgeries and procedures.
Ingested Foreign Body Removal Procedure in Dogs
The procedure used for foreign body removal in dogs will depend on the nature and location of the obstruction. In most cases, a veterinarian will assess the dog’s condition with X-rays or other imaging scans to determine the safest and most effective approach. Blood, urine, and stool tests may also be conducted to identify related complications or conditions and to determine whether the dog is fit for anesthesia, which is required for many methods of foreign body removal.
Endoscopic Retrieval
Endoscopic retrieval is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to retrieve many materials from the upper digestive tract (esophagus, and stomach). Ideally, the patient should fast for several hours before the procedure, but in emergency cases, the veterinarian may perform a stomach lavage to clear the stomach contents before proceeding.
- The dog will receive general anesthesia and be positioned for the procedure.
- A flexible endoscope, fitted with a camera and appropriate tools, will be inserted through the mouth and advanced through the esophagus to visualize the trapped item and the condition of the digestive tract.
- The foreign body will be grasped and withdrawn using endoscopic instruments.
- The endoscope will be withdrawn and the dog allowed to recover from anesthesia.
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal is typically required if a foreign object is lodged within the intestines, or if it cannot be safely removed from the esophagus or stomach with endoscopy. Open surgery is invasive and requires general anesthesia in all cases.
- The dog will be anesthetized, positioned, shaved, and cleaned for surgery.
- An incision will be made in the chest or abdomen as required (thoracotomy or laparotomy)
- The surgeon will access the esophagus, stomach, or intestine as needed via esophagotomy, gastrotomy, or enterotomy
- The foreign body will be removed, the site examined for trauma, and surgical repair made as necessary.
- Incisions will be closed and the patient allowed to recover from anesthesia.
Efficacy of Ingested Foreign Body Removal in Dogs
Foreign body removal is commonly performed on dogs, and both endoscopic and surgical techniques are highly effective at preventing complications that may occur if an indigestible object or material is left within a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Failure to remove an ingested foreign object can lead to serious and life-threatening complications, making the procedure necessary in cases which a dog will not pass or digest material safely.
Ingested Foreign Body Removal Recovery in Dogs
Recovery from endoscopic retrieval of a foreign body is generally uneventful. Once the effects of anesthesia and discomfort caused by the procedure and the foreign body have subsided, your dog should resume its normal level of activity quickly.
Recovering from open surgery, however, is more complex and may take several weeks. Your dog will require rest and may be prescribed medication to treat pain and prevent infection. A follow-up visit will be needed after about two weeks to remove sutures or staples and to check progress and healing.
Depending on the presence and severity of internal injuries caused by the foreign body, your vet may have other specific recommendations for your dog’s activity, diet, or other care to promote complete healing.
Complications such as peritonitis or wound break down are possible and need to be closely monitored for.
Cost of Ingested Foreign Body Removal in Dogs
The cost of foreign body removal in dogs depends largely on the type of anesthesia and procedure needed to provide effective treatment. Endoscopic procedures commonly cost between $800 and $2,800, while open surgery, such as laparotomy, may range from $2,000 to $3,500.
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Dog Ingested Foreign Body Removal Considerations
In general, the benefits of foreign body removal clearly outweigh the costs and, in many cases, the treatment is lifesaving. Concerns that commonly arise include the risk of complications from anesthesia, internal injury from the procedure, and infection at a surgical site. These risks can be mitigated with prompt and thorough screening and treatment, as well as proper aftercare upon returning home with your dog. Remember, the sooner a foreign body is removed, the better the prognosis.
Ingested Foreign Body Removal Prevention in Dogs
The ingestion of foreign bodies can be prevented by ensuring your dog has a safe living and play environment, free of objects and materials that could be harmful if chewed or swallowed. Monitor your dog to keep it from chewing on or playing with inappropriate items, such as children’s toys, string, rocks, and even dog toys that break down easily. Be sure to feed your dog a complete diet in appropriate amounts to prevent nutritional deficiencies, and notify your vet if your dog shows signs of pica-- intentionally eating unusual or non-food items-- which could be a sign of an underlying health condition. It is best to avoid giving your dogs things that can cause obstructions such as bones, corn cobs and pitted fruit. Consider using a basket muzzle when walking outdoors if your dog is a known scavenger.
Ingested Foreign Body Removal Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mixed breed under 25 lbs
Two Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting, Tarry Stool,
Diagnosed with Pancreatitis yesterday. Had overnight hospital stay to push fluids. And is now vomiting again today. No emergency number for vet. What do I need to do?
March 13, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello, if he is still vomiting it may be best for him to see the emergency vet. You can offer a bland diet of chicken and rice. If your vet sent home any medications continue to give these.
March 13, 2021
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Miniature Schnauzer
6 months
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My puppy ate a rubber bouncy ball on July 21st vet had us induce vomiting vomited food but no ball she said it was small enough to wait I haven't seen him poop out the ball but he has been eating, playing and pooping fine. We just got to my mothers on Aug 5th he has refused his food and has been eating her dogs food but still acting normal and pooping well an hour or so ago he vomited red liquid could this be from the rapid food change or should I worry that the ball could have not passed and been obstructed
Aug. 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That is concerning, and I worry that the ball is in his stomach, causing irritation. It might be a good idea to feed him a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a few days and see if he continues to vomit. If he continues to vomit, is lethargic, starts having diarrhea, or seems painful, then an examination with a veterinarian right away would be a good idea.
I hope that all goes well for him!
Aug. 11, 2020
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Miniature Schnauzer
Six Months 22 days
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting Red Fluid
My puppy ate a small rubber bouncy ball July 21st. The vet had us induce vomiting twice no ball came up. Fast forward we have had no issues he's eating playing pooping normal well we came to my mother's on Wednesday Aug 5th he hasn't eaten his food he's eating her dogs food but still playing and pooping well he just puked up this reddish looking liquid and I'm concerned could this have to do with the ball he ate or could it be distress from him refusing to eat his food and changing his diet to my mom's dog food so suddenly? Should I take him in to be seen at the vet here?
Aug. 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That is concerning, and I worry that the ball is in his stomach, causing irritation. It might be a good idea to feed him a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a few days and see if he continues to vomit. If he continues to vomit, is lethargic, starts having diarrhea, or seems painful, then an examination with a veterinarian right away would be a good idea.
I hope that all goes well for him!
Aug. 11, 2020
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Bedlington Terrier
6 months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My puppy may have eaten a stud earrings, but I'm not 100% sure. Should I be worried?
July 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question .
I would not think that a small object like that would cause any GI upset, but it is difficult to say for sure. Something that small should pass uneventfully.
If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite, it would be best to have your veterinarian see your puppy, but I suspect these signs will not happen.
I hope that all goes well for your puppy.
July 21, 2020
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Husky
Ten Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My puppy just got surgery to remove a chicken bone from his stomach. How long till he bounces back to normal with him being so young
July 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Young puppies like him should bounce back fairly quickly within a few days. Since I don't know the actual details of his surgery, however, that might be a question for the surgeon that performed the procedure. They will be able to let you know if there were any complications, and what to expect as far as his post-operative care. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 19, 2020
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terrier
Patches
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My dog is 5 and has shredded socks, underwear or anything clothing related since he was a puppy. My dog began having seizures 3 months ago, they have gotten worse over time. Two weeks ago I noticed he has lost weight, I blamed it on an older dog I have that’s a bully. He started throwing up so I took him to the vet. He was given a atb shot and phenobarbital and sent home. Last Wednesday I took him back to another vet because of the vomiting again and lethargy. This vet kept him overnight, did bloodwork, iv fluids and x rays. X Ray didn’t show a blockage but she wanted to do exploritory surgery. I refused, she said it didn’t look like anything stood out in the X-ray of the stomach. She said he was full of poop. I had her give him an enema and I took him home. He’s had 3 seizures since then and just began eating again. No more vomiting but he’s weak and still not himself. What do I do? I can’t risk exploritory surgery for nothing and I can’t see doing diagnostics for the seizures when they can’t guarantee I’ll find out why. Please help! I don’t want him to die or have to put him down. 😭 He’s never been sick but she said he has a rough patch on his paw. She thinks he may have had distemper before. I think I’d know if he had that don’t you?
Whippetmix
casey
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating After Endoscopy
Casey had an endoscopy Monday, 9/2/19 late afternoon to remove part of a t-bone steak from her stomach. Casey will not eat, I have tried everything, she is drinking water. How lomg before she will eat after this procedure?
