Gastrointestinal Foreign Objects

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                      General Information



A gastrointestinal foreign body is any non-food material found

within the digestive tract.  Foreign objects ranging from coins

to clothing have been found in the digestive tract of pets.  The

variety of non-food material a pet may consume is astounding.

While animals of any age may swallow foreign objects, young

puppies and kittens are most likely to do so.  Signs depend upon

the amount of blockage, the location of the object, and whether

the object is irritating or non-irritating in nature.  Common

signs include vomiting, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite,

an absence of stools and vague uneasiness.  While some foreign

objects can be passed with the aid of lubricants or laxatives,

many can only be removed by endoscopy or surgery.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Radiographs (x-rays) are used to determine the nature and

    location of the object, and assess the likelihood of passage

    without surgery.  In most cases, surgical removal is the only

    effective means of treatment.



2.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



3.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows:





4.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





5.  Water:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow free access to fresh water at all times.



    ____Restrict water intake as follows:





6.  Surgical patients:



    * Check the incision at least once daily.



    * Do not bathe or allow your pet to go swimming until the sutures

    are removed. 



    * Call the doctor if your pet removes any sutures or otherwise

    damages the incision. 



    * Keep your pet indoors or in a clean kennel until the sutures

    are removed. 



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur: 



    * Your pet seems depressed or reluctant to eat. 



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea or blood in the stool. 



    * Your pet shows signs of abdominal pain. 



    * Your pet's signs recur or there is a change in your pet's

    general health.