What is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal?
Pets are naturally curious and often swallow things they shouldn’t—toys, socks, bones, string, or even household objects. When these foreign bodies get stuck in the stomach or oesophagus, endoscopic removal provides a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
Unlike traditional surgery, which requires a large incision into the abdomen, endoscopic retrieval allows veterinarians to remove foreign objects using a flexible camera and specialised tools, often preventing the need for more invasive procedures.
A Brief History of Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal
🔬 Before Endoscopy (Pre-1970s): When pets swallowed foreign objects, the only treatment options were to induce vomiting (risky) or perform open surgery (high risk and long recovery). In some cases, obstructions lead to fatal complications if untreated.
📈 Introduction of Veterinary Endoscopy (1980s–1990s): With advancements in human endoscopy, veterinarians started using rigid and flexible endoscopes to diagnose and retrieve foreign objects from the gastrointestinal tract. Initially, the equipment was limited, but the potential was clear.
🚀 Modern Endoscopic Techniques (the 2000s–Present): Today, veterinary endoscopy is a standard procedure in many referral centres, providing a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for removing foreign objects in pets. With improved tools like grasping forceps, snares, and retrieval baskets, 90% of stomach foreign bodies can now be removed without surgery.
Common Foreign Bodies Removed via Endoscopy
Pets—especially dogs and cats—swallow a surprising variety of objects. Some of the most common items retrieved using endoscopy include:
🐶 Dogs:
✔️ Balls, chew toys, rawhide
✔️ Socks, underwear, gloves
✔️ Bones, corn cobs, fishhooks
✔️ Rocks, coins, bottle caps
🐱 Cats:
✔️ String, thread, yarn (risk of linear foreign body)
✔️ Hair ties, rubber bands
✔️ Small toys, Christmas tinsel
How is an Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal Performed?
The procedure is quick, safe, and typically takes 30–60 minutes under general anaesthesia. The steps include:
1️⃣ Sedation & Anesthesia: The pet is placed under general anaesthesia to prevent discomfort and allow smooth retrieval.
2️⃣ Insertion of the Endoscope: A flexible, high-definition camera (endoscope) is inserted into the mouth and passed down the oesophagus into the stomach.
3️⃣ Locating the Foreign Object: The veterinarian identifies the foreign object’s location and size using the endoscopic camera.
4️⃣ Grasping & Removal: Specialised tools like forceps, retrieval baskets, or snares are used to grasp and remove the object.
5️⃣ Post-Procedure Monitoring: The pet is carefully monitored and can often go home the same day!
⏳ Most pets recover within hours, and no surgical incision means they can resume normal activities quickly.
Benefits of Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal Over Surgery
✔️ Minimally Invasive: No abdominal incision means less pain and faster healing.
✔️ Lower Risk of Complications: Surgery can cause infection, wound breakdown, or adhesions—endoscopy avoids these risks.
✔️ Shorter Recovery Time: Most pets go home the same day and return to normal within 24–48 hours.
✔️ No Need for Long-Term Medications: Unlike surgery, which requires pain management and antibiotics, endoscopic recovery is much simpler.
✔️ Cost-Effective: While specialist equipment is required, endoscopy often costs less than major abdominal surgery.
When is Surgery Still Needed?
Although endoscopy is highly effective, not all foreign bodies can be removed this way. Surgery may still be necessary if:
⚠️ The object has moved into the intestines and is causing a blockage.
⚠️ The foreign body is too large or sharp to be safely removed through the oesophagus.
⚠️ The pet has developed perforation or peritonitis, requiring emergency surgery.
⚠️ The foreign body is a linear object (string or thread), which can cut through the intestines and cause severe damage.
What Are the Alternatives?
📌 Inducing Vomiting – In some cases, if the object is still in the stomach and hasn’t caused irritation, a vet may induce vomiting. However, this carries risks, especially with sharp or toxic objects.
📌 Surgical Removal – Necessary when the foreign body has passed into the intestines or is causing severe complications.
📌 Watchful Waiting – If the object is small, smooth, and not causing distress, a vet may allow it to pass naturally under close supervision.
Preventing Foreign Body Ingestion in Pets
While endoscopic retrieval is a lifesaving option, prevention is always better! Keep your pet safe by:
🚫 Supervising playtime – Avoid giving dogs small toys that could be swallowed.
🧦 Keeping socks, underwear, and string out of reach – These are common culprits in both dogs and cats.
🍖 Avoiding bones & corn cobs – These frequently cause blockages.
🔍 Monitoring chewing habits – If your dog is a strong chewer, choose durable, size-appropriate toys.
Final Thoughts
Endoscopic foreign body removal has revolutionized the way veterinarians treat pets that ingest dangerous objects. Fast, effective, and minimally invasive, this technique prevents unnecessary surgery and reduces recovery time for pets.
If your pet has swallowed something unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss whether endoscopic removal is an option!