Gastric Foreign Body (Foreign Body in the Stomach) in cats

  • Occurrence: common
  • Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
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A gastric foreign body in cats refers to the presence of a non-digestible object in the cat’s stomach that can impair the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.

The most important facts at a glance

Gastric foreign bodies in cats are objects that are accidentally swallowed and get stuck in the stomach, which can lead to mechanical obstructions and health problems. Causes are often curiosity or playfulness, with young and bored indoor cats being particularly at risk. Cats with nutrient deficiencies or the behavioral disorder Pica also tend to eat inedible materials. Symptoms include Vomiting, salivation, Abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made through anamnesis, physical examination, and imaging procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound. Treatment depends on the type and size of the foreign body, ranging from waiting to surgical removal. After removal, supportive therapy is necessary for recovery. The prognosis is generally good, provided the foreign body is removed in time. Prevention includes ensuring a safe environment, offering suitable toys, and regular veterinary visits. Research focuses on prevention, improved diagnostic methods, and less invasive treatments. Genetic, nutritional, and psychological aspects are also being investigated to reduce the risk of foreign body ingestion. A holistic approach in research promises better prevention and treatment strategies.

Causes

The gastrointestinal tract of cats is designed to efficiently digest food and absorb nutrients. The digestive system begins in the mouth, where food is crushed, and ends in the anus, where indigestible remains are excreted. The stomach plays a central role in the mechanical and chemical digestion of food.

Foreign bodies in the stomach can represent mechanical obstacles and block the normal movement of food through the digestive tract. This can lead to a number of problems, including stomach upset, inflammation, and even perforation of the gastrointestinal tract.

The causes for swallowing foreign bodies are diverse. Some cats tend to chew on or swallow various objects out of curiosity or playfulness, such as threads, rubber bands, plastic parts, or small toy parts. Some cats also develop a behavioral disorder known as Pica, in which they eat inedible materials.

Young cats and indoor cats who are bored and do not have suitable toys available are particularly at risk. Cats that have a deficiency of certain nutrients may also tend to eat unusual objects in an attempt to compensate for this deficiency.

Symptoms

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of a gastric foreign body can vary, depending on the size and type of the object and how long it has been in the stomach. Common symptoms are Vomiting, loss of appetite, and Weight loss. Vomiting can occur occasionally or be chronic, and it may contain undigested food or mucus.

Other symptoms may include lethargy, Abdominal pain, and dehydration. Some cats may also develop constipation or Diarrhea, depending on whether the foreign body reaches and blocks or irritates the intestine.

If the foreign body perforates the gastrointestinal tract, which is rare but possible, the symptoms can be more dramatic, including severe Abdominal pain, Fever, and shock.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a gastric foreign body usually begins with a thorough anamnesis and a physical examination by a veterinarian. The owner will be asked about possible signs and behavioral changes of the cat, as well as potentially accessible foreign bodies in the household.

X-rays are a common diagnostic tool to confirm the presence and position of a foreign body in the stomach. Some items, especially those made of metal or stone, are easily visible on X-rays, while others, such as plastic or fabric, may not be visible.

In such cases, an ultrasound or endoscopy may be necessary. Endoscopy allows the veterinarian to directly view the stomach and possibly remove smaller foreign bodies without surgery.

Therapy

The treatment of a gastric foreign body depends on the type, size, and position of the foreign body, as well as the cat’s general condition. In some cases, if the foreign body is small and does not cause acute symptoms, the veterinarian may decide to let the foreign body pass through observation and supportive care.

For larger or sharp-edged objects that are stuck in the stomach, surgical removal is often necessary. This can be an endoscopic removal if the foreign body is accessible, or an open surgery if the foreign body cannot be removed otherwise.

After the removal of the foreign body, supportive therapy is important to promote recovery. This may include the administration of intravenous fluids for rehydration, pain management, and a special diet to spare the digestive tract.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis after the removal of a gastric foreign body is generally good, provided there are no complications such as perforation or infection. Most cats recover completely if the foreign body is detected and removed in time.

Long-term consequences are rare but can occur if the foreign body remains undetected for an extended period or if complications arise during surgery. In such cases, a longer recovery period may be required, and the cat may need special dietary or medical care.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of your cat swallowing a foreign body, it is important to make their environment as safe as possible. Keep small items such as rubber bands, threads, needles, buttons, and toys out of reach. Also, store plastic bags and packaging materials safely, as cats are often curious about rustling materials.

In addition, it is advisable to schedule regular playtimes with the cat and offer them safe cat toys. Make sure that toys are not fragile or easily broken down into small parts that could be swallowed. Toys should be robust and specifically suitable for cats.

Another preventive measure is to monitor feeding times. Make sure that the cat does not get access to food scraps or waste that could contain potentially dangerous items. A secure trash can with a tightly closing lid can prevent the cat from rummaging through the trash.

Regular veterinary visits are also important to check your cat’s general health and ensure that they are not showing signs of Behavioral changes that could lead them to eat atypical items. A healthy and stimulating environment helps to reduce the risk of a foreign body in the stomach.

Outlook on current research

Research on gastric foreign bodies in cats is a dynamic field that focuses on several aspects. One of the main focuses is prevention, as preventing the ingestion of foreign bodies is the best way to protect the health of the animals. Scientists are investigating which environmental factors and behaviors increase the risk of foreign body ingestion. These include studies that analyze the play behavior of cats to find out which types of objects cats are most attracted to and why.

Another important area of research is the improvement of diagnostic methods. Traditionally, the diagnosis of a foreign object in the stomach is made by X-rays or ultrasound. New imaging procedures and techniques are being developed to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. This allows for faster treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

In therapeutic research, the focus is on the development of less invasive treatment options. While surgical interventions are often necessary to remove a foreign body, researchers are looking for gentler alternatives. Endoscopic techniques, in which a flexible instrument is inserted through the cat’s mouth, are a promising area. However, these techniques are not suitable for all types of foreign bodies, and research is focused on expanding the applicability of these methods.

Future-oriented research also deals with the long-term consequences of foreign body ingestion. There is evidence that cats who have ingested foreign bodies once may have an increased risk of future incidents. Long-term studies are being conducted to understand the underlying causes and to develop strategies for Behavioral changes that reduce the risk.

An emerging area of research is genetic predisposition. Scientists are investigating whether there are genetic factors that make certain cats more susceptible to swallowing foreign bodies. Previous studies in other pets have shown that genetic abnormalities can affect behavior, and similar investigations in cats could lead to new prevention strategies.

The role of nutrition is also being explored. Some studies suggest that certain diets or nutrient deficiencies can affect the behavior of cats, leading to an increased tendency to swallow non-edible objects. Researchers are testing different nutritional plans to determine whether a balanced diet can reduce the risk.

In addition, there are investigations into the psychological aspects of this problem. Stress and boredom have been identified as possible factors that increase the risk of foreign body ingestion. Behavioral researchers are working to develop stress reduction techniques that could help mitigate this problem.

The collaboration between different areas of veterinary science, including surgery, behavioral research, and genetics, shows promising progress. This multidisciplinary approach could lead to more comprehensive solutions that improve both the prevention and treatment of foreign bodies in the stomach of cats.

By applying these research findings in practice, veterinarians may be better able to educate cat owners about risks and provide individually tailored recommendations to minimize the risk of foreign body ingestion.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. What is a gastric foreign body in cats? A gastric foreign body is an object that has been swallowed by a cat and remains in the stomach. This can be anything from toys to threads or plastic.

  2. What symptoms indicate a gastric foreign body? Common symptoms are Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, and Abdominal pain. Some cats also show signs of discomfort or try to gag frequently.

  3. How is a gastric foreign body diagnosed? Diagnosis is usually made by physical examinations, X-rays, or ultrasound examinations to determine the presence and position of the foreign body.

  4. How is a gastric foreign body treated? Treatment depends on the type and size of the foreign body. In many cases, surgery is necessary to remove the foreign body. In some cases, endoscopic removal may be possible.

  5. Can a gastric foreign body pass on its own? Small, smooth foreign bodies can sometimes pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing problems. However, larger or sharp objects often get stuck and require medical intervention.

  6. How can I prevent my cat from swallowing foreign bodies? To reduce the risk, potential hazards such as small toys, threads, or plastic parts should be kept out of your cat’s reach. It is also helpful to provide your cat with plenty of play opportunities and mental stimulation.

  7. Are certain cat breeds more susceptible to gastric foreign bodies? There are no specific breeds that are known to be more susceptible, but younger, curious cats have a higher risk of swallowing foreign bodies because they often explore their environment by chewing and Licking.

  8. How quickly should I see a veterinarian if I suspect that my cat has swallowed a foreign body? It is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, as the risk of complications increases with time. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health problems.

  9. Can foreign bodies cause long-term damage? Yes, if a foreign body is not removed in time, it can lead to serious health problems, such as a perforation of the stomach or intestine, which can be life-threatening.

  10. Are there certain behavioral signs that indicate that my cat is at risk of swallowing foreign bodies? Cats who tend to chew or Lick on inedible objects, especially when they are bored or stressed, may be at higher risk. Observing the behavior and adjusting the environment can help to mitigate the risk.

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An interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in cats, supplemented by information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, can be found here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-bei-katzen/