Gastrointestinal upset in household
pets – which usually signifies vomiting and/or diarrhea – is
probably the most common clinical complaint seen by Veterinarians on
a regular basis. Thankfully the causes are often mild and
self-limiting - like a bad batch of pet food or that chicken bone
stolen from the trash. Occasionally, though, more serious internal
medical conditions can be involved such as liver, pancreatic or
endocrine diseases. Bland diets and medications usually relieve or
correct these situations. But one of the more perplexing and
potentially lethal problems your veterinarian faces are the
suspected and too-frequent cases of intestinal foreign bodies or
“FB” as known to most DVM's.
An FB can be anything from the
indigestible twist tie off that bread sack to the rawhide dog chew
that was swallowed whole rather than chewed slowly. (Mother always
told you to chew 30 times before swallowing, remember? So Muffin
didn’t get the memo?)
The FB can be a diagnostic challenge
even for the experienced clinician. Many uncertainties are involved
including size of pet and diameter of patient GI tract, composition
and shape of the FB (sharp edges?) and degree of dehydration or pain
involved. There is no single or simple diagnostic test to rule in/out
the suspected FB. Endoscopy may help if the FB is still in stomach
or colon. Radiographs are sometimes helpful if the FB is radio-dense
like some metallic objects but often FBs are “invisible” to the
eye on most X-Rays. Veterinarians can often use contrasting upper or
lower GI studies to identify partial or complete obstructions. Newer
barium impregnated spheres can be given and traced radiographically.
Occasionally abdominal palpation is revealing if the FB is unusually
large. Ultrasound is often helpful but not always available in the
average office. In short, there is no simple way to diagnose GI
obstructions and too many pets and owners have needlessly suffered
through painful (and expensive) ordeals.
Often, smaller FBs will pass through
the GI tract without causing internal damage (small smooth objects
like broken beads for example) but even simple and small things
like string can “saw” their way through intestinal lining causing
perforations and peritonitis. Cats are notoriously curious and most
veterinarians have seen at least one episode with a Kitty that
swallowed a sewing needle and thread. (Yummy! You can just imagine
the damage caused here!) Unfortunately, some FBs will never be
passed and surgery is the only option to avoid fatal GI obstructions.
A national veterinary journal catalogued and recently reported just
some of the FB items veterinarians have removed surgically. Ready? –
an arrowhead embedded in raw deer meat, a 22 inch choke chain, pendant
ear rings, three (yes three!) cell phone chargers, 9 golf balls from
one stomach, a charm bracelet and an entire box of staples!
Here at Dove Creek, we have removed 23 metallic push pins stolen off
party favors, a child’s ballerina slipper and a ladies thong.
There is an old
saying that “everything in a dog’s world is edible”. In other
words, they’ll eat everything or anything and throw up later what
didn’t taste good. That is mostly true – especially for the
young and curious puppy but even the older dog or cat can fall
victim. Just imagine you’re that owner waiting on "Bosco" to “pass”
that diamond engagement ring he swallowed or those $50 dollar bills
you left rolled up on the nightstand. (Both actually happened!)
A few tips: 1. Don’t leave small
clothing articles or children’s toys lying around the house. No one
should be surprised if a puppy tries to swallow a sock or
sweat-soaked “undergarment”. 2. Be careful what you buy and
give to your pets even if it’s sold as a “chew toy” at PetSmart
or Petco. And If you see the word “durable” appearing on the
label of something meant to be chewed – but not swallowed - ask
yourself how would a dog should know the difference? And finally,
don’t make “tug-of-war” a game you teach your puppy. That
tugged item can later be shredded or destroyed and swallowed after
you have gone off to work and puppy gets bored and misses you.
Lastly, vomiting can be either a
harmless or serious clinical symptom. Dogs and cats have a voluntary
emetic (vomiting) reflex . This means they can vomit at will unlike
most humans. (eating disorders excluded?) This means if they vomit
ONCE, simply clean it up and move on. But if they vomit more than
four times in any four-hour period – or more than eight times a
day, seek veterinary attention IMMEDIATELY.
David C. Zoltner, DVM
Dove Creek Animal Hospital
1200 Bent Oaks Ct., Denton, TX. 76210
