What to do if your cat or dog swallows something
A foreign-body bowel obstruction occurs when a dog or cat swallows an object that becomes lodged in the digestive tract. This prevents food and fluids from passing through the stomach or intestines normally.
Dogs commonly swallow toys, balls, bones, socks and other household items, while cats are more likely to swallow string, thread, ribbon or hair ties. Some objects may pass through the digestive system without causing problems, but others can become lodged and cause a partial or complete blockage.
A bowel obstruction is a veterinary emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can damage the intestine and become life-threatening.
Symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs
The symptoms of a bowel obstruction can vary depending on where the object is lodged and whether the blockage is partial or complete. Most dogs and cats become unwell quickly.
Common symptoms include:
Reduced appetite or refusing food
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Difficulty passing faeces or producing little or no faeces
Cats may show more subtle signs than dogs and may hide or become unusually quiet.
Because these symptoms can worsen rapidly, any dog or cat showing signs of a bowel obstruction should be examined by a vet as soon as possible.
When to contact your vet and when this is an emergency
A bowel obstruction is a veterinary emergency and should not be left to see if it improves.
Contact your vet as soon as possible if you think your dog or cat has swallowed a foreign object, or if they are showing signs of a bowel obstruction such as vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or lethargy.
Never pull on string that is hanging from your dog's or cat's mouth or back passage, as this can cause serious damage to the intestines. Contact your vet immediately.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment give the best chance of a successful recovery.
Diagnosis
Your vet will examine your dog or cat and discuss their symptoms and medical history, including whether they may have swallowed a foreign object.
Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, is often used to identify a foreign body or signs of a bowel obstruction. In some cases, more than one type of imaging may be recommended.
Blood tests are also commonly performed to assess your pet's overall health and help plan the safest treatment.
Together, these tests help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the type of foreign body, where it is lodged and whether it is causing a partial or complete obstruction.
Some foreign bodies may pass through the digestive tract without treatment. However, if a bowel obstruction is suspected, prompt veterinary treatment is essential.
In some cases, the foreign body can be removed using an endoscope (a flexible camera passed into the stomach). If the object is causing a bowel obstruction or has damaged the intestine, surgery is usually required to remove it.
Your pet may also need intravenous fluids, pain relief and other supportive care before and after treatment. Most pets will need to stay in hospital for monitoring during their recovery.
Prevention
You can help reduce the risk of a foreign body bowel obstruction by:
Keeping small objects out of your pet's reach.
Choosing toys that are the right size for your dog or cat and replacing any that become damaged.
Keeping string, ribbon, thread, hair ties and similar items away from cats.
Supervising your pet when they are playing with toys or chewing treats.
Discouraging your dog from scavenging or chewing inappropriate objects.
Outlook
The outlook for dogs and cats with a foreign body bowel obstruction depends on the type of object, where it is lodged and how quickly treatment is provided.
Most pets recover well when the obstruction is diagnosed and treated promptly. However, delays in treatment can increase the risk of damage to the intestine and may make treatment more complex.
If you think your dog or cat may have swallowed a foreign object or is showing signs of a bowel obstruction, contact your vet as soon as possible.