Foreign Body Surgery in Dogs (Abdominal Exploration)

Pricing

$1,900 (Flat-rate)

If your dog needs surgery, please call us immediately at 970-836-1208.

What is Foreign Body Ingestion?

When a dog swallows something that they shouldn't—like a toy, sock, bone, or even pieces of furniture—it's referred to as foreign body ingestion. This can lead to a blockage, or obstruction, in the dog's digestive system. Sometimes, these items pass through naturally, but in many cases, they get stuck and cause serious health risks, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Common Signs Your Dog May Have Swallowed Something

You might not always see your dog swallow something they shouldn’t, but there are key signs that can indicate a problem:

• Repeated vomiting
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Drooling excessively

If your dog shows these signs, especially after suspected ingestion of an object, it's crucial to seek veterinary help right away.

When Does My Dog Need Surgery?

If your dog has a blockage due to a swallowed object and it cannot pass through their system naturally, surgery may be required. This procedure is known as foreign body surgery, or abdominal exploration surgery (also called an exploratory laparotomy), to locate and remove the foreign object.

Delaying surgery can lead to severe complications, including tearing of the intestines (which can lead to life-threatening infections), dehydration, or death.

How to Prevent Foreign Body Ingestion

Dogs are curious and tend to chew or swallow things they shouldn't, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of foreign body ingestion:

• Keep dangerous items out of reach

  Household objects like small toys, socks, or bones can be tempting for dogs to chew on.

• Supervise playtime

  Make sure your dog isn't playing with items that could easily break or be swallowed.

• Provide safe chew toys

  Use durable, veterinarian-approved toys.

• Train your dog

  Teaching commands like "leave it" or "drop it" can help prevent accidental ingestion.