Gastrointestinal linear foreign bodies in 32 dogs: a retrospective evaluation and feline comparison

Hospital records of 32 dogs undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal linear foreign bodies (LFBs) were reviewed to evaluate clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities, radiographic signs, surgical procedures, andcomplications associated with this condition. Information potentiallyrelating to prognosis was evaluated statistically. Clinical data derived from this study was compared to the information available in the literature regarding LFBs in cats. Linear foreign bodies were rarely discovered under the tongue during physical examination of affected dogs(2/32; 6%), and most were lodged at the pylorus (28/32; 87%). The types of LFB removed were more variable in the dog; fabric, carpet, pantyhose, string, and plastic were the most common. Fabric and plastic materials had an increased probability of causing peritonitis. Peritonitis was evident at surgery in 13/32 (41%) dogs; of these, 9/32 (31%) hadgross contamination through intestinal perforations. Intestinal resection and anastomosis was required in 13/32 dogs (41%). Intussusceptions concurrently were found in 8/32 (25%) dogs having LFBs. The presenceof perforations or peritonitis increased the probability of death. The probability of peritonitis and death as a result of LFB in dogs is nearly double that of cats as described in previous reports