The Fascinating World of Veterinary Medicine: Tales from the Annual State Veterinary Association Convention
The annual state veterinary association convention is a highlight of the year for many veterinarians, including myself. This gathering brings together veterinary professionals from across the state, providing a unique opportunity to update clinical knowledge, share experiences, and reconnect with friends and colleagues. The camaraderie and shared passion for animal health create an atmosphere that is both educational and enjoyable.
A Night of Stories: The Unusual Objects We Remove
During the final evening of this year’s convention in Rapid City, I found myself at a table surrounded by fellow veterinarians. As the evening progressed, our conversation naturally gravitated toward a topic that never fails to amuse and astonish: the bizarre items we’ve surgically removed from the bellies of dogs and cats.
This hearty discussion revealed a common thread among our experiences—animals, especially the younger and more inquisitive ones, have a knack for swallowing just about anything. The list of offending objects was both hilarious and alarming, including golf balls, corn cobs, toy action figures, socks, and even underwear.
I shared my own story about a young Labrador Retriever who was brought to me due to persistent vomiting. When I lifted him onto the exam table, he felt unusually heavy. Upon examination, I discovered that his abdomen felt like it was filled with rocks. To my surprise, he had indeed swallowed rocks—specifically, 110 small river rocks! This dog had a peculiar habit of flipping landscape rocks into the air and swallowing them.
The Contest of Foreign Object X-Rays
Every veterinarian has a foreign object story, and one particularly memorable event was a contest held by a veterinary magazine. Vets were invited to submit interesting abdominal X-rays, and one entry stood out: an X-ray of a 6-year-old German Shorthair with a barbecue skewer extending from the bottom of its belly to its backbone. Remarkably, the dog recovered well after surgery, and this impressive case won the contest!
Who Are the Indiscriminate Eaters?
The animals that tend to ingest foreign objects are often younger, curious, and energetic. While any pet can accidentally eat something they shouldn’t, my experience shows that young, exuberant Labrador Retrievers are frequently represented in this category. These dogs are notorious for their adventurous spirits and their tendency to chew on anything they can find.
When these pets are brought to the veterinary clinic, they typically present with symptoms such as vomiting, which may persist for several days. While they often appear healthy otherwise, the sudden onset of vomiting can indicate a more serious issue. It’s important to note that vomiting can stem from various causes, including gastritis from eating something that doesn’t agree with them. However, unlike temporary irritations, vomiting due to a blockage will not resolve on its own.
Diagnosing the Problem
Diagnosing a foreign body obstruction often involves X-rays, which can easily reveal dense or metallic objects. However, some materials, like fabric or certain rubber balls, have a density similar to abdominal organs and may not be visible on standard X-rays. In such cases, veterinarians may administer a contrast solution to help outline the foreign object for better visualization.
Once a diagnosis is made, the next step is determining the appropriate treatment. In some instances, owners may witness their pets ingesting an object, allowing us to induce vomiting to expel it. If the object remains in the stomach, it may be possible for smaller items to pass through the digestive tract naturally. However, many cases require intervention.
Treatment Options: From Endoscopy to Surgery
Most veterinary practices are equipped with endoscopes—long, flexible tubes with grabbers that can be inserted through the esophagus to retrieve foreign objects. However, when endoscopy isn’t feasible, surgery becomes necessary. Fortunately, most cases have happy endings, as young and otherwise healthy pets typically bounce back quickly after treatment.
That said, complications can arise if a foreign object perforates the intestines, leading to a life-threatening situation. A common example is when a cat swallows a string, which can become lodged in the intestines and cause serious damage over time.
Conclusion: Vigilance is Key
While most pets manage to pass their dietary indiscretions without incident, some cases can lead to more serious complications. If you suspect that your pet may be experiencing a blockage—especially if they have a penchant for swallowing unusual items—it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian promptly.
As we wrapped up our evening of storytelling at the convention, it was clear that the experiences we shared not only highlighted the challenges of veterinary medicine but also underscored the importance of vigilance in pet ownership. After all, our furry friends may be curious, but it’s our responsibility to keep them safe from their own adventurous appetites.
Russ Daly, DVM, is the Extension Veterinarian at South Dakota State University. He can be reached via email at russell.daly@sdstate.edu or at 605-688-5171.