Grass as a linear gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction in four dogs

McCagherty, J. , Yool, D. , Earley, N. F. and Woods, S. (2020) Grass as a linear gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction in four dogs. Veterinary Record Case Reports, 8(2), e001116. (doi: 10.1136/vetreccr-2020-001116)

Abstract

Four dogs presented with linear gastrointestinal foreign body (FB) obstruction caused by impacted grass fibres. The material had become anchored within the pylorus in three dogs, causing necrosis and perforation of the mesenteric border of the affected intestinal segment. Gastrotomy and intestinal resection and anastomosis were performed. The fourth case presented acutely with no intestinal necrosis or perforation, with the fibres removed via enterotomy. One dog suffered severe postoperative ileus that failed to respond to medical management. Continued deterioration prompted euthanasia 12 days postoperatively. The other three dogs survived and were discharged without complication. Grass has not previously been reported as a cause of linear gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs. It has, however, the potential to cause severe necrosis and perforation of the intestine and should be recognised as a potential linear FB in dogs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yool, Professor Donald and McCagherty, Ms Joanna
• Authors: McCagherty, J., Yool, D., Earley, N. F., and Woods, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Record Case Reports
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2052-6121
• ISSN (Online): 2052-6121
• Published Online: 24 May 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 British Veterinary Association
• First Published: First published in Veterinary Record Case Reports 8(2): e001116
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy