Management and prognosis of skewer foreign body ingestion in dogs: A comparative study of 114 cases following emesis, endoscopic retrieval or surgical removal.

INTRODUCTION

Ingestion of skewer foreign bodies is a common veterinary presentation and can cause perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment strategies for retrieval include: induction of emesis, endoscopic or surgical retrieval. There is a lack of literature describing the treatment options and prognosis for skewer foreign bodies.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical presentation of dogs with skewer foreign body ingestion, and to compare outcomes and complication rates between treatment with emesis, endoscopic retrieval or surgical intervention.

METHODS

Retrospective study of dogs with confirmed ingestion of a skewer or popsicle stick. Data were collected on signalment, whether ingestion was witnessed, type of object, duration of clinical signs, location of the skewer and treatment performed. Outcomes and complication rates were compared between treatment modalities.

RESULTS

A total of 114 dogs were included. Of these, 48 dogs had emesis induced, 14 dogs had endoscopy performed and 52 dogs underwent surgical removal. Skewers were successfully retrieved in 38/48 (79.2%) via emesis, and 100% by endoscopy or surgery. All dogs survived to discharge. Within the surgical group, the skewer penetrated the gastrointestinal tract in 40/52 dogs (75.5%). Minor complications occurred in 4/13 (30.8%) and 15/47 (31.2%) of dogs following endoscopy and surgery, respectively. Major complications occurred in 2/47 (4.3%) undergoing surgery. No complications occurred within the emesis group.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Induction of emesis, endoscopic and surgical retrieval are feasible treatments for skewer foreign bodies in dogs. Emesis was effective in dogs who presented soon after ingestion. Complication rates were low, even with perforation of the gastrointestinal tract or other organs.