Pet foreign body surgery removes indigestible objects lodged in the digestive tract, requiring anesthesia, an abdominal incision (gastrotomy/enterotomy) and potentially removing damaged intestine (resection). Early intervention critical to prevent life-threatening complications like sepsis.
Please note: We are not a 24-hour facility and therefore can not provide hospitalization after this procedure. We strongly recommend transferring your pet to a 24-hour facility after surgery. For those who can not afford it, we will do what we can to support home care and recovery.
What is foreign body surgery:
- A critical procedure to remove items like toys, rocks, or bones stuck in the stomach or intestines.
- Can involve opening the digestive tract (gastrotomy/enterotomy) or using an endoscope for stomach retrieval.
- May require removing and reconnecting damaged bowel (resection and anastomosis) if tissue is necrotic, notes Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The surgery process:
- Diagnosis: X-rays, bloodwork, or endoscopy confirm the object and damage. This is done BEFORE coming to us for surgery, we do not offer these services.
- Anesthesia & Access: General anesthesia is given, and the abdomen is opened
- Removal: The object is extracted, and damaged tissue assessed.
- Closure: Incisions are sutured closed.
Recovery:
- Hospital: 1-3 days for IV fluids, pain control, monitoring.
- Home: Activity restriction (1-2 weeks), special diet, watching for complications (vomiting, lethargy).
