We in the veterinary community know all too well what a foreign body is but many of you may not. Basically it is something that is inside a pet's intestines that shouldn't be there and is something we see way too often. An obstruction of the intestine often occurs when a dog or cat eats something other than food such as string, rocks, socks, underwear, toys, hair ties, nails, fishing hooks, knives, light bulbs and the list goes on and on.
Please try to keep these things out of reach of your pets; especially any of the young Retriever breeds! Unfortunately, when we see a vomiting Golden Retriever or Lab, they often need to be screened for intestinal obstructions. Cats are also prone to eating things they shouldn't such as thread, small toys, and fishing lures.
The most common symptom is vomiting. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and lethargy. A diagnosis can sometimes be difficult and may require multiple x rays, blood tests and even surgery. Treatment is often surgical removal, although some small foreign bodies can be retrieved from the stomach with an endoscope.
Please try to keep these things out of reach of your pets; especially any of the young Retriever breeds! Unfortunately, when we see a vomiting Golden Retriever or Lab, they often need to be screened for intestinal obstructions. Cats are also prone to eating things they shouldn't such as thread, small toys, and fishing lures.
The most common symptom is vomiting. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and lethargy. A diagnosis can sometimes be difficult and may require multiple x rays, blood tests and even surgery. Treatment is often surgical removal, although some small foreign bodies can be retrieved from the stomach with an endoscope.
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