Vol 5(2) Feb15

International Journal of Livestock Research ISSN 2277-1964 ONLINE

Surgical Management of Gastric Foreign Body in a Dog

K. Manoj kumar, P. Veena, Ch. Mallikarjuna Rao, M. Sai baba, V. Amritha,
K. Sudarshan Reddy and D. Vijaya Kumari
Dept. of Vety. Surgery & Radiology, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh,
India 517502
*Corresponding author: drsaimvsc@gmail.com

Rec. Date: Nov 22, 2014 01:42

Accept Date: Jan 30, 2015 02:01
Published Online: February 04, 2015
DOI 10.5455/ijlr.20150130020137

Abstract
A dog was brought with history of anorexia, dullness and vomitions due to foreign body ingestion. The
presence of foreign body (coin) was confirmed by radiography and ultrasonography. Gastrotomy was
performed and coin was retrieved from stomach. Post-surgery animal was normal and fully recovered.
Key words: Foreign body {coin}, Gastrostomy

Introduction

A gastric foreign body is any item, either food or nonfood material, that is present in the stomach and
does not pass into the small intestine or is vomited. Gastrointestinal (GI) foreign bodies are common in
dogs and cats [Evans et al ., 1994]. Incidence of foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract of canine is due
to voracious and indiscriminate habit of feeding (Ellison , 1990).The clinical signs depends on the
location, the degree and the duration of the obstruction (Aronson et al ., 2000 and Papazoglou et al .,
2003). Radiography and ultrasonography are reliable methods to confirm presence of foreign body inside
stomach (Fossum , 2007).
History

A 3 year old dog was presented to the college clinic with a history of anorexia, dullness and vomitions
which occurred due to accidental intake of coin. The vital parameters were within normal range. On
palpation of abdomen animal was able to feel pain. On survey radiograph, the presence of a circular radio
opaque foreign body was revealed [fig 1]. On ultrasonographic examination it was further confirmed the
presence of foreign body in the pyloric end of stomach. Complete blood count was performed was within
normal physiological limit. It was decided to retrieve the foreign body through surgery.
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Surgical Management
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Hosted@www.ijlr.org DOI 10.5455/ijlr.20150130020137

 Vol 5(2) Feb15
International Journal of Livestock Research ISSN 2277-1964 ONLINE

The animal was given dextrose saline @ 30ml/kg b.wt slow i/v. An emergency laparotomy was
performed under atropine sulphate premedication @ 0.04 mg/ kg b.wt and anaesthesia was induced with
propofol @ 4 mg/ kg b.wt i/v and was maintained with isoflurane. A ventral midline incison was made on
linea alba and stomach was exteriorized. A stab incision was made on hypovascular greater curvature of
stomach. Metzenbaum scissors were used to extend the incision. Carefully the foreign body, which was a
coin was retrieved and removed [fig 2] without spillage of the gastric contents into the surgical site. The
gastrotomy wound was sutured with 2-0 catgut in two layers inverting seromuscular pattern i.e cushings
followed by lemberts. The linea alba was sutured with PGA size no.1using simple interrupted pattern and
finally skin was sutured using silk. Post operatively inj. Ceftriaxone @ 20 mg/ kg b.wt for 5 days and inj.
Meloxicam @ 0.5 mg/ kg b.wt for 3 days were given. The animal was kept off feed for 2 days and
maintained with i/v fluids and the owner was advised to maintain on liquid diet for few more days.
Antiseptic dressing of suture line with 5% povidone iodine was advised. The sutures were removed after
10 days. The animal showed uneventful recovery.

Fig 1: Radio opaque foreign body Fig 2: Retrieving coin

Discussion

Gastrointestinal obstruction results in disturbances of fluid balance, acid-base status and serum electrolyte
concentrations due to hyper secretion and sequestration within the gastrointestinal tract which is
exacerbated by vomiting and impaired oral intake of fluid and nutrients (Boag et al ., 2005). In general,
complete obstruction is associated with more dramatic clinical signs and a rapid deterioration whereas
partial obstruction may be associated with more chronic signs of maldigestion and malabsorption
(Papazoglou et al ., 2003). The foreign body in present case which lodged in pylorus was proved fatal but
early recognition by owner, early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment helped in retrieval of gastric
foreign body without any serious complications.
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References
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Hosted@www.ijlr.org DOI 10.5455/ijlr.20150130020137

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International Journal of Livestock Research ISSN 2277-1964 ONLINE

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Hosted@www.ijlr.org DOI 10.5455/ijlr.20150130020137