Life-Saving Foreign Body Surgery for Dogs & Cats in Teaneck, NJ
Foreign body surgery is an emergency veterinary procedure performed to remove ingested non-food items—such as toys, socks, bones, strings, or coins—from a pet’s stomach or intestinal tract. At Bergen Veterinary Hospital, our surgical team uses high-definition digital X-rays and ultrasound to swiftly locate and safely extract intestinal blockages, preventing tissue damage and restoring your pet’s health.
When Pets Swallow What They Shouldn’t
Pets are naturally curious, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to ingest objects they cannot digest. Whether your dog swallowed a squeaker toy, sock, or bone, or your cat swallowed thread, string, or hair ties, gastrointestinal obstructions can quickly become life-threatening.
If an object becomes lodged in your pet's esophagus, stomach, or intestines, it can block food and water from passing and cut off vital blood flow to intestinal tissue. Emergency foreign body removal surgery is often required to prevent permanent damage or perforation.
Common Signs Your Pet May Have an Intestinal Obstruction
If you suspect your pet swallowed an object, monitor them closely for these warning signs:
- Persistent vomiting or dry heaving
- Loss of appetite and refusal to eat
- Abdominal pain, whining, or posture indicative of discomfort
- Lethargy, weakness, or sudden behavioral changes
- Inability to hold down water
- Absence of bowel movements or painful straining
Our Diagnostic & Surgical Removal Process
At Bergen Veterinary Hospital, we act swiftly when an obstruction is suspected:
- Rapid Diagnostics: We utilize in-house digital radiography (X-rays) and abdominal ultrasound to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the obstruction.
- Pre-Surgical Stabilization: We administer intravenous fluids and pain management to stabilize your pet before surgery.
- Surgical Extraction: Our experienced veterinary surgeons perform a gastrotomy (stomach incision) or enterotomy (intestinal incision) to safely remove the item and assess organ viability.
- Post-Operative Recovery: Your pet is continuously monitored by our compassionate staff with dedicated pain protocols to ensure a smooth, safe recovery.
Why Choose Bergen Veterinary Hospital for Pet Surgery?
Serving Teaneck, Bergenfield, Hackensack, and surrounding Bergen County communities, Dr. Jennifer Suss and our surgical team bring decades of compassionate expertise, modern continuous monitoring equipment, and dedicated post-surgical care to ensure your pet is in the safest hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery after pet foreign body surgery?
Most pets require 10 to 14 days of restricted activity, incision care, and soft diets. Full recovery depends on whether the intestine was compromised.
What should I do if I saw my pet swallow a foreign object?
Contact us immediately at (201) 837-3470. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian, as sharp or large objects can cause severe tissue damage coming back up.
Is Your Pet Experiencing a Surgical Emergency?
Don’t wait. Contact Bergen Veterinary Hospital immediately at (201) 837-3470 or visit our clinic at 1154 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
