Endoscopic-Assisted Foreign Body Retrieval
Dogs commonly ingest foreign objects such as bones, toys, fish hooks or plant material. Indigestible foreign objects can cause potentially life-threatening physical obstruction of the oesophagus, pylorus or small intestine, or contribute to chronic vomiting when they remain floating in the stomach. Endoscopy is fantastic for the non-invasive retrieval of foreign objects in the oesophagus and stomach. Once the foreign bodies have passed into the duodenum and obstruction ensues, surgery becomes necessary. When successful, endoscopic foreign body retrieval negates the need for surgery, leading to both a rapid recovery and minimal discomfort.
Foreign bodies such as grass awns are also commonly inhaled into the nasal cavity or lower airways, and can sometimes enter the vagina. Endoscopy is again incredibly useful to assess these areas, locate foreign objects and facilitate rapid retrieval.