Surgical management of intestinal foreign body in a geriatric dog

Abstract

A 13-year-old male cross breed dog was presented to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary College Hebbal, Bengaluru with a three-day history of intermittent vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy. Physical examination revealed mild dehydration and abdominal discomfort. No abnormality detected on plain radiography. A barium contrast study showed retention in the small intestine with minimal progression up to 48 hours. Exploratory laparotomy was performed under general anesthesia. A mid-ventral celiotomy revealed an obstructed intestinal segment, which was isolated. Enterotomy was performed and a plastic foreign body was removed. Intestinal viability was assessed by color, arterial pulsation, and peristalsis. The enterotomy site was closed with Polydioxanone No. 2-0 suture in a simple interrupted pattern, followed by a leak test and routine closure. The patient had a stable postoperative recovery.