Tucker, a 1½ year old neutered male Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, presented to Winslow Animal Hospital December 14, 2009. His owners stated he had been retching and vomiting bile and grass for the past two days. He wasn’t interested in his food, and seemed very quiet, clingy, and lethargic.
After having his weight noted and temperature taken, which was normal, Tucker sat near his owners in the exam room, looking forlorn and depressed. Further history revealed Tucker had a long history of eating many unusual objects around his owner’s house, such as crayons, blankets, and their son’s toys. The owners also mentioned that Tucker had been very interested in the boxes of Christmas decorations that were out around the house as well. Aside from his crayon-eating providing the yard with a bit of extra color, Tucker’s past indiscretions had not caused any serious health issues for him – so far. That, unfortunately, was about to change…
Dr. Phil Coudrai examined Tucker and decided a few radiographs and complete bloodwork were in order. The owner’s agreed, so off Tucker went with one of the nurses to have his testing completed.
About 20 minutes later, the radiographs showed some unusual densities, and possible foreign bodies throughout the intestine and colon areas. The bloodwork revealed some abnormalities consistent with a distressed gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Coudrai felt that Tucker’s diagnostics indicated either pancreatitis or a possible foreign body – which could mean exploratory surgery for Tucker…
Before considering such a serious emergency surgery, Dr. Coudrai felt that an ultrasound of the abdomen would help to not only clarify what had been seen on the radiograph, but would also help to rule out possible pancreatitis or gastritis. Immediately, Tucker was presented to Winslow’s ultrasound technician who was able to view the organs of his abdomen with an ultrasound machine. The results showed a definite foreign body within the pylorus and intestine, as well as areas of bowel that were unusually folded. Poor Tucker! Immediate surgery was necessary.
After hugs and kisses from his concerned owners, Tucker was brought back to the surgical area, where he was prepped for surgery by one of Winslow Animal Hospital’s Certified Veterinary Technicians.
During surgery, Dr. Coudrai was able to inspect Tucker’s abdominal cavity. Several suspicious areas were immediately noted throughout the intestine, stomach, pylorus, and colon areas. Dr. Coudrai cut an incision into the intestine and maneuvered one hard lump carefully towards the incision opening…and to everyone’s surprise, a head with two beady little eyes popped out! Tucker had eaten a small plastic toy – several in fact, and soon a small pile of action figures arose, intertwined with assorted strands of fabric, thread, and grass. This mass had threaded its way throughout Tucker’s GI tract, from his pylorus, through his stomach, into his intestines and even into his colon. All the toys and fabric were located and removed via incisions into the various areas where they were found. After suturing the incisions closed and thoroughly flushing and suctioning his abdominal cavity with a warmed saline and antibiotic solution, his incision site was closed with suture and staples. He was sent home on antibiotics, pain medications, and instructions for strict rest and a bland (toyless) diet.
Tucker was a very lucky dog for several reasons. First, his owners brought him for an examination shortly after his vomiting began. Secondly, although the hard plastic toys had many sharp points jutting outwardly, there were no perforations of the GI tract, which would have greatly increased his chance of developing serious complications. And lastly, Tucker was an otherwise healthy, young dog who had a great family at home waiting for him…hopefully, with all toys now out of reach!
Printed with permission
