This week’s segment features Lucy the 6-year-old dachshund! 🐕🐾 Lucy came to us for lethargy, not wanting to eat and intermittent vomiting that had been going on for a few days. After performing radiographs (x-rays) we were able to identify a foreign object that was obstructing her intestines. Pets are naturally curious and often chew or swallow items they shouldn’t—such as toys, socks, string, bones, corn cobs, or hair ties. While some small objects may pass on their own, many become lodged in the stomach or intestines, creating a blockage that prevents food and water from moving through the digestive tract.
When an obstruction occurs, pets can develop symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, and dehydration. In some cases—especially with linear foreign bodies like string—the intestines can bunch up or even tear, leading to severe infection within the abdomen. Without prompt treatment, these complications can become fatal. This is why emergency surgery is often necessary: to safely remove the object, relieve the obstruction, and assess any damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Early intervention greatly improves outcomes, so if your pet shows any concerning signs or you suspect they may have ingested something unusual, seeking veterinary care right away can make all the difference. Thankfully after performing emergency abdominal surgery to remove the obstruction Lucy made a full recovery and is back to her normal healthy self! 🐾🐕