Foreign Body Ingestion in Dogs and Cats
Did your dog swallow a sock or your cat eat string? Swallowed objects are a common and potentially life-threatening problem. The Pet Clinic is one of the few veterinary hospitals in Omaha, NE equipped with endoscopy, which allows us to remove many foreign objects without open surgery.
Objects Pets Commonly Swallow
- Socks, underwear and towels
- Toy pieces, balls and stuffing
- Bones, corn cobs and fruit pits
- String, thread, ribbon and hair ties (especially in cats)
- Rocks, coins and jewelry
- Batteries, magnets and medications, which can be toxic
Signs Your Pet May Have Swallowed Something
- Repeated vomiting, especially after eating or drinking
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain, hunching or restlessness
- Straining to pass stool or no stool
- Lethargy or drooling
If you saw your pet swallow something, call us right away even if they seem fine. Never try to induce vomiting at home without veterinary guidance, as some objects cause more damage coming back up.
Diagnosis
We start with a physical exam and digital X-rays to locate the object. Fabric, plastic and string do not always show on X-rays, so ultrasound can be used to look for obstruction. Bloodwork from our in-house laboratory helps us evaluate dehydration and anesthesia safety.
Treatment Options
Endoscopic Retrieval
When an object is still in the esophagus or stomach, endoscopy lets our veterinarians pass a small camera through the mouth and retrieve it with specialized instruments. There is no incision, recovery is quicker and most pets go home the same day.
Surgery
Objects that have moved into the intestines or caused a blockage usually require abdominal surgery. Our surgical team uses careful anesthesia monitoring and pain management, and laser therapy can support incision healing afterward.
Prevention
Keep laundry, toys and trash out of reach, choose durable toys sized for your pet and supervise chewing. Some pets swallow objects out of boredom or anxiety, so a behavior consultation and anxiety support can help. View all conditions we treat.
Foreign Body Ingestion FAQs
What should I do if my pet swallowed something?
Call your veterinarian right away. Do not induce vomiting at home unless instructed, because some objects can cause injury coming back up.
Can a swallowed object pass on its own?
Some small, smooth objects pass without problems, but many cause obstructions. X-rays and an exam help determine whether it is safe to wait.
What is endoscopic foreign body removal?
Endoscopy uses a flexible camera passed through the mouth to find and retrieve objects in the esophagus or stomach without surgery.
Why is string dangerous for cats?
String can anchor in the mouth or stomach while the intestines bunch along it, causing a serious condition called a linear foreign body that often requires surgery.
How long can a pet have an intestinal blockage?
An obstruction can become life-threatening within a day or two as tissue loses blood supply. Prompt treatment is critical.
Will my pet need to stay overnight after foreign body removal?
Many pets go home the same day after endoscopy. Pets who need surgery are usually hospitalized for monitoring, fluids and pain control.
How can I keep my pet from eating things they shouldn’t?
Keep tempting items out of reach, provide appropriate chews, supervise play and address boredom or anxiety with enrichment and behavior support.
Concerned Your Pet Swallowed Something?
Time matters with swallowed objects. Call The Pet Clinic at (402) 330-3096 right away or request an appointment in Omaha, NE .