Foreign body in dogs intestines

Harper had been feeling unwell for several days with intermittent vomiting and diarrhoea. Medicine given by her regular vet was still not making her well.

As her family were still concerned they bought her to hospital. Within a short time off arriving, Harper’s condition deteriorated. She was taken into emergency surgery. Over 60 cm of cellophane wrapping was found lodged in her stomach and intestines.

This type of foreign body makes it very difficult for her gastrointestinal system to work. The intestines reacted by bunching up tight and then inverting. During surgery, they elected to remove a very damaged section without compromising her health.

After such a big surgery, Harper stayed in hospital for 2 days to recover. Once she was up on her feet, walking and eating again she was well enough to leave. After 7 days she returned to see the surgeon for a recheck. She had healed and recovered very well. Harper was happy and her parents are both relieved to have have her back to her normal self.

One of the hard parts of being a vet is many pets come to get help for vomiting and diarrhoea. It is really common and it can be from numerous causes which often need further investigation.