CASE OF THE MONTH—“BUDDY”
Signalment:
Male, neutered yellow Labrador retrieverHistory:
Buddy started vomiting and was brought to the veterinary clinic for an evaluation. At this time, the owners elected to try medical management with anti-nausea medication, antibiotics and a bland diet. As time progressed, the vomiting decreased but never stopped and about a week later Buddy was once again brought to the veterinary clinic. Buddy has been known to eat household items and other things that he shouldn’t. Otherwise, previous to the vomiting episodes, Buddy has been a happy, healthy dog.Physical Exam:
At Buddy’s second exam, he was bright, alert and responsive. All vital parameters (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) were normal. At this time x-rays of his abdomen were taken and the results looked suspicious that there was something in the stomach.
A barium series (a contrast study to allowing visualization of the movement of materials through the digestive tract by serial x-rays) was then performed. At one hour after starting the barium series there was little movement of materials into the intestines (as is shown in the figure of the x-ray). This is indicative of something blocking passage from the stomach to the intestines.
Diagnosis:
Foreign Body Treatment:
Buddy underwent surgery to remove the foreign body (which turned out to be plastic material) from his stomach and intestines. He was then restricted from any food for 24 hours. Buddy was kept on IV fluids to keep him hydrated as well as antibiotics and pain medication during his time in the hospital. As he did not vomit within the 24 hours after surgery, a small amount of a bland diet was introduced. Buddy continued to improve and no vomiting occurred. Outcome:
The day after surgery Buddy was bright, alert and a very happy dog. Buddy returned home with his family two days after surgery. One week after surgery his owners report that Buddy was back to his normal self!Other important points:
Foreign bodies include any material that is not intended to be ingested including, but not limited to, toys, strings and clothing. These materials can be very problematic as they can, as in Buddy’s case, inhibit movement of food materials into the intestines. Thus, the animal’s body is not absorbing the necessary nutrients. String materials can also cause detrimental problems when they pass into the intestines. It is important to note that foreign bodies should be removed as soon as possible because they can inhibit blood supply to the stomach and intestines and there is always the risk if perforating through a part of the digestive tract. 
Case of the Month
This month we have a super sweet lab named Buddy, but he may have decided to eat something so his brother couldn't have it. This was a mistake on his part.
