Foreign Body Obstruction

By Sue Averill, YGRR Kennel Manager with Dawn Burke, DVM

Intestinal obstruction is commonly caused by a swallowed object failing to pass through the large or small intestine. It can cause either a partial or complete obstruction. A dog may swallow something edible but just too large to pass through the gut, such as edible ‘bones’, plant material, or large pieces of carrots. Consuming inedible objects, such as stuffing or squeakers from toys, rocks, sticks or tennis ball coverings is also common with Goldens. All dogs are attracted to objects they may consider food, such as plastic food containers and foil wrappers with food debris, corn cobs or fish hooks.

Symptoms can range from sporadic vomiting, poor appetite and occasional diarrhea in dogs with partial obstructions to vomiting after any food or water, complete loss of appetite, few or no bowel movements and rapid weight loss in dogs with complete obstruction.

Obstructions are usually identified by a physical examination, and confirmed via X-ray with or without barium for contrast. Your veterinarian may also opt for an ultrasound for diagnosis .If the foreign body is solid, such as a rock, bone or metal object, it will show up readily on X-ray. If the object has a similar density to the dogs soft tissue, such as fabric, wood or plastic, it is much harder to visualize. Exploratory surgery may be recommended. Surgery is the only way to resolve an obstruction.

Dogs prone to ingesting foreign bodies must be carefully managed as expensive surgery is the only way to correct obstruction. If your dog is a chewer/consumer, carefully monitor his environment. If you catch him swallowing something dangerous, take him to your vet immediately. If the object is still in your dog’s stomach, your vet may be able to get him to vomit the object if it is something that won’t cause damage coming back up, or if they have an endoscope, they may be able to retrieve the object with it.

If your dog has ingested an inedible delectable in the past and he vomits or passes up a meal, expect the worst. Call your vet or take him to the hospital immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Updated 1/10

Thank you.