이번주 발런티어 하는 병원에 온 강아지는 일주일째 시름시름 알고 밥을 잘 안먹는다고 했다. X-ray검사에는 아무것도 나오지 않았고 초음파도 진행했다. 다음과정은 내가 보지 못했지만 의사 선생님 설명은 장난감속에 들어있는 작은 2-3cm 정도 되는 플라스틱 조각이 떨어져 장남감을 물고 노는 동안 섭취하게 된것같다고 하셨다.
강아지는 아기처럼 일단 모든걸 입으로 가져가니까 미리 주의하고 사후 처리도 적당히 잘해주어야 겠다.
I remember a time when I was volunteering and a patient’s dog came in because it had no appetite. The examined the dog by looking at the X-ray and ultrasound results. The diagnosis revealed that the dog had swallowed a piece of plastic about 2-3 cm from its chew toy, which was affecting its appetite. In situations like these, animals are unable to communicate so they rely on veterinarians to uncover these problems and communicate it to their owners. Vets have to work twice as hard to learn the characteristics of different animals, and constantly monitor their changes with unwavering interest. Luckily, once the plastic was removed the dog returned to normal. However, not all dogs or animals are as lucky. For instance, when my dog passed away and I was helpless in saving him. I was sad to not be able to do anything, but it made me more determined to do something next time.
강아지가 이물질을 입에 넣는 모습을 봤다면 바로 달려가서 바로 강아지 입을 벌린 후 이물질을 빼는 것이 가장 좋지만 만약 강아지가 삼켜서 이물질이 보이지 않는다면 구토를 유발하기 위해 옥시돌이나 손가락을 넣어서 억지로 뺏게 만들 수 있지만 이물질이 닭뼈처럼 날카롭다면 구토를 하다가 목에 걸려서 상처가 날 수 있으므로 집에서 해결하는 것보다 수의사에게 가는 것이 중요하다.
만역 삼킨 것이 작은 장난감이거나 비닐 같은 위험하지 않는 물질이라면 2~3일 뒤에 자연적으로 다시 똥을 나올 수 있지만 위나 장에 걸리면 수술을 해야 할 수 있기 때문에 강아지의 컨디션 그리고 변을 잘 파악해야 하며 만약 2~3일이 지나도 안 나오던가 설사, 구토, 식욕저하 컨디션 저하같이 이상행동을 보인다면 병원에 가보는 게 좋다.
동물병원에 가서는 강아지 이물질 종류와 크기 섭취 시기 등을 정확히 보고해야 문제를 해결하는데 큰 도움이 된다
단순히 강아지가 먹을만한 물건들은 미리미리 닿지 않는 곳에 올려두는 것도 중요하고, 이번사건을 보니 강아지 장난감일지라도 강아지가 물고 뜯고 했을때 조각으로 삼켜질수 있음을 고려해야 할것 같다.
A foreign body is an item that originates outside the body. Large or irregularly shaped objects may get stuck somewhere along the digestive system and result in your dog needing urgent veterinary attention. Certain breeds are over represented as they are renowned indiscriminate eaters (eg Labradors), with younger dogs and puppies also having a higher incidence.
The location and degree of obstruction of the foreign body will determine the presenting signs, the likely prognosis as well as the most appropriate course of action. It is very important that you contact your vet as soon as you know or even suspect that your pet has eaten a foreign body, so that they can advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
What happens when a foreign body is ingested?
Some objects are small and smooth enough to pass right through the gut without causing a problem. Larger objects can get stuck within the intestine and block any food from getting through, initially causing your dog to vomit. Another problem arises due to the peristaltic (or squeezing) motion of the muscular gut wall as it tries to push the foreign body along. If the object is not removed the pressure builds up around it resulting in the blood supply to the gut wall being compromised, then becoming devitalised. In the worst case scenario the gut wall may then rupture where bacteria and ingesta can enter the abdomen causing severe pain, peritonitis, shock and eventual death.
A linear foreign body (eg a string) may be caught in the mouth but start to travel through the intestines. This results in the intestines starting to bunch up and there is a high risk of the string cutting through the intestines.
What clinical signs and symptoms will I notice if my pet has ingested a foreign body?
The clinical signs observed vary significantly and depend on the degree of obstruction, location, duration, and type of foreign body. Commonly noted signs include:
What should I do if my dog has swallowed a foreign object?
It is important that you contact your vet straight away to let them know that this has happened. Even if you are suspicious that your dog might have eaten something, it is important to call your vet. You will receive advice as to the risk of the object getting stuck as well as the most appropriate course of action.
How to prevent my dog from swallowing foreign objects
There are a few things that you can do to stop your dog ingesting foreign bodies:
📚 Reference
https://blog.naver.com/shdidgh12/221228221869
https://blog.naver.com/sncamc/221235767764
https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/foreign-body-ingestion-in-dogs
강아지는 아기처럼 일단 모든걸 입으로 가져가니까 미리 주의하고 사후 처리도 적당히 잘해주어야 겠다.
I remember a time when I was volunteering and a patient’s dog came in because it had no appetite. The examined the dog by looking at the X-ray and ultrasound results. The diagnosis revealed that the dog had swallowed a piece of plastic about 2-3 cm from its chew toy, which was affecting its appetite. In situations like these, animals are unable to communicate so they rely on veterinarians to uncover these problems and communicate it to their owners. Vets have to work twice as hard to learn the characteristics of different animals, and constantly monitor their changes with unwavering interest. Luckily, once the plastic was removed the dog returned to normal. However, not all dogs or animals are as lucky. For instance, when my dog passed away and I was helpless in saving him. I was sad to not be able to do anything, but it made me more determined to do something next time.
만역 삼킨 것이 작은 장난감이거나 비닐 같은 위험하지 않는 물질이라면 2~3일 뒤에 자연적으로 다시 똥을 나올 수 있지만 위나 장에 걸리면 수술을 해야 할 수 있기 때문에 강아지의 컨디션 그리고 변을 잘 파악해야 하며 만약 2~3일이 지나도 안 나오던가 설사, 구토, 식욕저하 컨디션 저하같이 이상행동을 보인다면 병원에 가보는 게 좋다.
동물병원에 가서는 강아지 이물질 종류와 크기 섭취 시기 등을 정확히 보고해야 문제를 해결하는데 큰 도움이 된다
단순히 강아지가 먹을만한 물건들은 미리미리 닿지 않는 곳에 올려두는 것도 중요하고, 이번사건을 보니 강아지 장난감일지라도 강아지가 물고 뜯고 했을때 조각으로 삼켜질수 있음을 고려해야 할것 같다.
A foreign body is an item that originates outside the body. Large or irregularly shaped objects may get stuck somewhere along the digestive system and result in your dog needing urgent veterinary attention. Certain breeds are over represented as they are renowned indiscriminate eaters (eg Labradors), with younger dogs and puppies also having a higher incidence.
The location and degree of obstruction of the foreign body will determine the presenting signs, the likely prognosis as well as the most appropriate course of action. It is very important that you contact your vet as soon as you know or even suspect that your pet has eaten a foreign body, so that they can advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
What happens when a foreign body is ingested?
Some objects are small and smooth enough to pass right through the gut without causing a problem. Larger objects can get stuck within the intestine and block any food from getting through, initially causing your dog to vomit. Another problem arises due to the peristaltic (or squeezing) motion of the muscular gut wall as it tries to push the foreign body along. If the object is not removed the pressure builds up around it resulting in the blood supply to the gut wall being compromised, then becoming devitalised. In the worst case scenario the gut wall may then rupture where bacteria and ingesta can enter the abdomen causing severe pain, peritonitis, shock and eventual death.
A linear foreign body (eg a string) may be caught in the mouth but start to travel through the intestines. This results in the intestines starting to bunch up and there is a high risk of the string cutting through the intestines.
What clinical signs and symptoms will I notice if my pet has ingested a foreign body?
The clinical signs observed vary significantly and depend on the degree of obstruction, location, duration, and type of foreign body. Commonly noted signs include:
- vomiting/regurgitation
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain
- dehydration
- drooling
- diarrhoea (+/- blood)
- evidence of the foreign body (ie bone stuck in mouth)
- increased respiratory rate (due to pain)
What should I do if my dog has swallowed a foreign object?
It is important that you contact your vet straight away to let them know that this has happened. Even if you are suspicious that your dog might have eaten something, it is important to call your vet. You will receive advice as to the risk of the object getting stuck as well as the most appropriate course of action.
What will the vet do to diagnose the problem?
Once the clinical examination, symptoms and the information about the foreign body and where it is likely to be lodged is collated, your vet will be able to inform you of what is required to treat your pet.
If your pet is otherwise well and has just ingested the object (and it is safe to do so), your vet may be able to give your dog some medication to make them vomit, thus preventing a possible blockage further down the intestines. An object caught in the mouth, for example a bone caught on a tooth, may be easily removed in a consult or under a sedation or light anaesthesia. Other times if the object is small enough it is possible to monitor your dog’s appetite, clinical signs and stools to ensure the foreign object has passed through safely.
Your pet may require a blood test to rule out other causes of the clinical signs as well as checking for electrolyte imbalances, degree of dehydration and other problems related to foreign bodies. Intravenous fluids will help to rehydrate your pet.
Your vet may recommend abdominal x-rays to get a better idea of what is happening in the abdomen. They will look for the foreign body as well as changes in the gas pattern within the intestines (suggestive of a blockage). The foreign body won’t always be obvious and sometimes a contrast agent or barium study is recommended as this can outline a foreign body or highlight a blockage. An abdominal ultrasound can also be useful in assessment of the abdomen and guide treatment.
A foreign body located in the oesophagus may be diagnosed and possibly removed via a flexible endoscope (a small tubular camera placed down the oesophagus).
Prompt surgery may be recommended to remove the foreign body from the intestines to prevent blockage and possible serious sequelae. The longer the foreign body is present the more problematic is the outcome. Sometimes a section of the bowel may need to be removed as it is seen to be unhealthy and likely to breakdown post-surgery. A ruptured gut and resulting peritonitis carries with it a much poorer prognosis.
Once the clinical examination, symptoms and the information about the foreign body and where it is likely to be lodged is collated, your vet will be able to inform you of what is required to treat your pet.
If your pet is otherwise well and has just ingested the object (and it is safe to do so), your vet may be able to give your dog some medication to make them vomit, thus preventing a possible blockage further down the intestines. An object caught in the mouth, for example a bone caught on a tooth, may be easily removed in a consult or under a sedation or light anaesthesia. Other times if the object is small enough it is possible to monitor your dog’s appetite, clinical signs and stools to ensure the foreign object has passed through safely.
Your pet may require a blood test to rule out other causes of the clinical signs as well as checking for electrolyte imbalances, degree of dehydration and other problems related to foreign bodies. Intravenous fluids will help to rehydrate your pet.
Your vet may recommend abdominal x-rays to get a better idea of what is happening in the abdomen. They will look for the foreign body as well as changes in the gas pattern within the intestines (suggestive of a blockage). The foreign body won’t always be obvious and sometimes a contrast agent or barium study is recommended as this can outline a foreign body or highlight a blockage. An abdominal ultrasound can also be useful in assessment of the abdomen and guide treatment.
A foreign body located in the oesophagus may be diagnosed and possibly removed via a flexible endoscope (a small tubular camera placed down the oesophagus).
Prompt surgery may be recommended to remove the foreign body from the intestines to prevent blockage and possible serious sequelae. The longer the foreign body is present the more problematic is the outcome. Sometimes a section of the bowel may need to be removed as it is seen to be unhealthy and likely to breakdown post-surgery. A ruptured gut and resulting peritonitis carries with it a much poorer prognosis.
How to prevent my dog from swallowing foreign objects
There are a few things that you can do to stop your dog ingesting foreign bodies:
- keep commonly ingested things out of reach
- clear things from your garden eg. stones, sticks, stone fruit
- prevent access to rubbish
- keep your dog on a lead when out walking
- monitor your dog when they eat bones, removing them when the meat is gone. Some dogs shouldn’t have bones as they are highly likely to ingest them. Please speak to your vet about alternative ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean.
📚 Reference
https://blog.naver.com/shdidgh12/221228221869
https://blog.naver.com/sncamc/221235767764
https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/foreign-body-ingestion-in-dogs
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