lc
Grey Puppy
Posts: 39
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Post by lc on Feb 1, 2014 10:02:41 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I was out walking the dogs last night and Jerry ended up picking something white out of the snow that looked like it was plastic. It was maybe 3" long by 1" wide. I have no idea what it was and was unable to get it away from Jerry before he swallowed it. Jerry is a canine garbage can and has been known to eat many inedible objects but never hard plastic. The plastic has me concerned and I called my vet this morning for advice. It's basically a 'wait and see' situation right now since Jerry is in no distress and is eating and drinking fine. I am so worried that Jerry will not be able to pass the plastic. Has anyone had similar experiences? Any advice? I know I have to watch him closely over the next few weeks and monitor poops. My vet says there is about a 70% chance he will pass it, but to keep an eye on him. Laura
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2014 10:32:48 GMT -5
I've never had something like this happen but I sure hope Jerry passes it thru with no problems. Fingers and toes crossed for a smooth exit. Please keep us posted. Martha
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lanlove
Junior Grey Lover
Posts: 179
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Post by lanlove on Feb 1, 2014 17:56:03 GMT -5
Our Lanny does not like bones, toys or treats, just his kibble which he doesn't chew he just swallows...so we were surprised to find that he loves hard plastic. One of his favourites is the kids' plastic shovels from the sand box! He only does it outside, he never eats any of the kids toys in the house. He has also eaten plastic from a planter, I am not sure what size the objects were when he ate them but he passed all of them without issue, and I wasn't curious enough to investigate the aftermath! We do our best to keep the yard clear of such temptation but he sure can find it if we miss something. Just keep an eye on Jerry and hopefully he will have no difficulties passing it. I would say it is an adventure in poop scooping when you find yourself picking up red or yellow plastic poops! It certainly is a stressful wait and see game but hopefully it will turn out okay. Lanny hasn't eaten anything like that in a while but we are sure to keep an eye out for anything he might find too tempting and he is doing much better with his drop it and leave it commands. All the best to Jerry
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Post by angelollie on Feb 1, 2014 18:43:08 GMT -5
I haven't had this problem with any of my greyhounds but I did have a doberman pinscher who was a canine vacuum. In her lifetime, she had three major surgeries to rid her intestines from ingested foreign objects. I just remember it was important to know what early symptoms you should be looking for and this is an article I used to keep on hand ...
""Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage
The symptoms vary depending on the location of the blockage. The most common signs of blockages include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and difficulty defecating.
If the blockage is in the esophagus, dogs will likely be licking their lips, swallowing a lot and regurgitating right after being fed (presenting undigested kibble in large pieces and often the vomit is of an oblong tubular shape). Affected dogs may often suffer from dehydration because unable to eat and drink properly. Because they are unable to keep food down, these dogs go down hill pretty quickly.
If the blockage is in the stomach, the pylorus is often blocked, causing the food to no longer make it through the intestinal tract. Episodes of vomiting therefore usually present within a few hours after eating. The most common objects to create blockages in the stomach are large and smooth items such as golf balls, marbles and bones.
If the blockage is in the small intestine, it means the object was able to make it through the pylorus but that it is getting stuck in the curvy areas of the small intestine. When this happens, gas accumulates causing the intestine to become distended and eventually the blood supply may be cut off causing the tissues to die. In this case, dogs will develop vomiting soon after eating, abdominal pain, a distended abdomen, fever, shock and even death if left untreated.
*Note: If the blockage is further down the road, towards the end of the small intestine, diarrhea is more common, however, vomiting may occur 7-8 hours later post eating.
*Note some symptoms of blockages may not occur immediately because they are just blocking partially initially. For instance, a dog once presented to our office 6 days after swallowing part of a stuffed animal. What happened is that foreign item was bobbing around dog's the stomach for a few days before moving into the narrow small intestines and creating problems.""
Jerry will probably pass this object with no problem but if it does, knowing the symptoms will help you get Jerry to the vets so he can get the care he needs. Hope it all turns out well.
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Post by Heather (& KC) on Feb 2, 2014 21:34:54 GMT -5
Oh geez. That's scary. I hope it comes out quickly and easily. I had a shepherd that used to eat tennis balls. She would chew them apart and they would come out the other end. Good luck and keep us posted.
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lc
Grey Puppy
Posts: 39
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Post by lc on Feb 3, 2014 9:00:21 GMT -5
No sign of anything yet. Lanlove, its funny how your hound loves plastic and will only eat it outside. Jerry only picks up 'garbage' on our walks, I never have to worry about anything in the house or in the yard as he is not interested. I'm glad to hear Lanny has been able to pass everything without issue! Angelollie, thank you for the info, I am certainly keeping a close eye on Jerry, and at the first sign of any difficulty I will be taking him in! I am seriously considering muzzling Jerry on his walks, especially when spring eventually gets here and the snow begins to melt..which will uncover lots of tasty garbage!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2014 10:39:34 GMT -5
just as I was reading this I was thinking the same thing about muzzles. keep us posted! Martha
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Post by Mag's Mom on Feb 4, 2014 8:43:33 GMT -5
That's a really great idea about muzzling. Great information angelollie.
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lanlove
Junior Grey Lover
Posts: 179
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Post by lanlove on Feb 4, 2014 20:45:45 GMT -5
Glad to hear Jerry hasn't had any troubles so far...I hope it stays that way. It is funny that it is only on walks that he picks things up, these greys certainly are characters Angelollie that is a great list of symptoms to watch for and great knowledge for everyone to have on hand. Thanks for posting it. The only other thing Lanny has picked up in the yard was one of my beautiful speckled sussex hens who unfortunately flew over the wrong fence...he put a whole new meaning to feeding raw...poor chicken (I clip their wings so they can't fly over the fence now). I hope I haven't upset anyone with that story, it was upsetting to us as she was one of my friendly hens that my kids could pet. Lanny did drop her when asked but he seemed puzzled that I took her away from him, he certainly was doing a good plucking job! So moral of the story...no plastic shovels or chickens allowed in Lanny's backyard!
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Post by Heather (& KC) on Feb 6, 2014 7:15:02 GMT -5
Oh dear. Poor chicken.
What's the update on Lanny and the plastic?
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lc
Grey Puppy
Posts: 39
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Post by lc on Feb 7, 2014 16:50:23 GMT -5
Jerry passed a very small piece of the plastic the other day which was good to see but I know there is still a larger piece that is still in there. He is absolutely fine otherwise so its still just a wait and see!
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