Ingested Foreign Objects

Dogs and cats frequently eat strange and dangerous things. 

Strings, ribbons and dental floss are particularly common and dangerous to cats.  Bone fragments, clothing, expansive glues and practically any object known to humans has ended up inside a dog. 

Some dogs are fortunate and pass or vomit up the foreign object.  In others, the object lodges in esophagus, stomach, intestines or rectum, causing tissue damage and pain.

Early intervention sometimes allows successful non surgical recovery of some foreign objects.  In many cases, surgery is needed to remove the objects and inspect/repair any damage. 

Perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and resulting septic infection of the abdomen or chest (in the case of esophagus damage) is a dangerous but treatable outcome if the object is sharp or has lodged for a long enough time in one spot. 

Certain objects (sharp bones, fishhooks, etc) are inherently more dangerous and some objects can lead to complications related to metal intoxication (lead, copper, zinc).

Pet Poisonings: Algae | Antifreeze | Chocolate | Easter Lily, Other Lily plants, and Cats | Garbage Intoxication | Grapes and Raisins | Household and Prescription Medications | Lawn and Garden Chemicals | Mushrooms | Poinsettias | Potpourri Oils | Rodent Poisons | Varmint Poisons, Other | Xylitol toxicity