What are the symptoms of oesophageal foreign body?

Immediate regurgitation after swallowing. Retching and efforts to swallow. Excessive drooling. Refusal of food. Pain when swallowing. Coughing or breathing difficulty if it presses on the windpipe

Is Oesophageal foreign body contagious?

Oesophageal foreign body does not spread directly between animals.

Digestivas

Oesophageal foreign body

An object stuck in the oesophagus (bones, toys, fish hooks). It is an emergency: the oesophagus can be damaged or perforated.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT: if your pet regurgitates immediately, drools heavily and retches after swallowing something, go to the vet straight away.

Symptoms to watch for

• Immediate regurgitation after swallowing
• Retching and efforts to swallow
• Excessive drooling
• Refusal of food
• Pain when swallowing
• Coughing or breathing difficulty if it presses on the windpipe

Causes

Swallowing objects that are too large or irregularly shaped: bones, toys, fish hooks, sticks.

Diagnosis

X-ray (radiopaque objects show up; others require a contrast agent) and endoscopy.

Treatment

Urgent removal by endoscopy or, if that is not possible, surgery. The sooner it is done, the less oesophageal damage.

Prevention

Do not give bones, watch out for toys that could break, and supervise dogs that swallow things.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT: if your pet regurgitates immediately, drools heavily and retches after swallowing something, go to the vet straight away.

Consult a vet 24 h emergency vets nearby

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.