A pet emergency can be a frightening time. One of the most common reasons that pets end up in the emergency room is because the cat or dog has ingested a foreign body. Not only can this be painful for the pet, but it can cause a range of medical complications that can be fatal. Luckily, the team at Richview Animal Hospital in Etobicoke, ON, is here to help.
What Is a Foreign Body?
A foreign body can be anything that is not meant to be ingested by your cat or dog. For dogs, this commonly means pieces of a chewed up toy or a favorite human sock. Cats too can ingest foreign bodies. Usually, cats will eat a favorite toy or an enticing piece of string that becomes bound within their internal systems.
The Danger With a Foreign Body
Unfortunately, when an animal ingests a foreign body it can lead to a range of medical complications. Foreign bodies are hard for the body to dissolve, so they often become lodged within various points of the digestive tract. Not only can this be painful, but it can prevent other food and matter from properly moving through the digestive system.
When the digestive tract is blocked, it can create a dangerous situation where the body is not absorbing the vitamins and nutrients needed, and dangerous bacteria are allowed to build up in the body. This can make your pet incredibly sick, and can eventually be fatal. The other concern with a foreign body is that it can become entwined with vital organs. Having a piece of string wrap around an organ can restrict blood flow, causing the organ to fail.
Veterinarians Can Help
Using a range of diagnostic and surgical techniques, a veterinarian is able to help if your pet has ingested a foreign body. If your pet has recently ingested a foreign body, our veterinarians may want to closely monitor and examine your pet to see if he or she will pass the object naturally. If this is not possible, our veterinarians may take several diagnostic X-Ray images to determine the location and severity of the blockage. If your pet is unable to pass the body naturally, emergency surgery may be required. Our vet will perform the surgery, extract the foreign body, and monitor your pet following the surgery to ensure that your pet is on the road to recovery.
Veterinary Care in Etobicoke, ON
At Richview Animal Hospital we understand that sometimes accidents happen. Pets will eat objects they shouldn't, which can lead to medical complications. Luckily, our animal hospital is here to help in the event of an emergency. If you live in or around Etobicoke call our veterinarians at (416) 245-8805 if your pet swallows something dangerous.
