Charlie

History: A two year-old neutered Shepherd cross breed dog presented for vomiting, poor appetite and reduced stool output. The problem began approximately 5 days prior to presentation to the veterinary office and it was known that the dog has a history of indiscriminate eating and of getting into garbage.

Physical Findings: The dog was bright, alert and responsive. He had mild tachycardia (fast heart rate) and was moderately dehydrated. Pain was found on palpation of the abdomen but there was no evidence of fever.

There was concern for a possible foreign body obstruction and so a barium contrast radiographic study was done to confirm this suspicion. He was also started on intravenous fluids to help correct his dehydration.

Diagnostic Imaging: The dog was given a barium solution to swallow orally and the solution was followed over time to determine if it was able to flow freely through the gastrointestinal system. The normal time for the solution to reach the colon after being swallowed is approximately 5-10 hours. Unfortunately, 17 hours later this barium was still observed to be in the stomach and small intestines. There was also some "hair-pin" like turns suggestive of not only a foreign body but one of a linear nature.

Diagnosis: Linear Foreign Body Obstruction

Treatment: Surgery was performed to remove the linear foreign body. Notice the “hair-pin” turns or “accordion” like appearance of the small intestines. 

A large clump of dental tape was lodged in the small intestine and could not continue to pass because a single strand from this clump was anchored in the stomach.  This is why you get the “accordion like” bunching of the bowels as they are working hard to move the linear material but are unsuccessful.  The biggest risk is that the linear material can act like a saw or knife and slice through the bowels causing bowel ruptures. Fortunately, this case was treated before this complication occurred.
The dog was kept overnight and was eating well the following day. He was discharged and has been feeling great since the surgery. 

Summary: Any dog or cat has the potential to eat non-digestible material. Most of the time these items are able to be passed along with the stool but there are times when instead an obstruction occurs.  Linear foreign bodies are seen more frequently in cats since they enjoy nibbling on string or ribbon and in general, intestinal obstructions tend to occur in younger (more adventurous) patients! The common symptoms are acute onset of vomiting and no interest in food. There may be an initial interest in food but they usually are unable to hold it down due to the obstruction.  If caught early then you can avoid bowel perforations or ruptures, which can lead to a very serious infection of the abdomen called peritonitis.  Surgery is the treatment of choice if an obstruction is confirmed.