This case involves a 5-year-old Bichon Frise that underwent contrast fluoroscopy to evaluate suspected intestinal obstruction following foreign body ingestion.

The owner reported that:

→ While left home alone, the dog tore apart a cigarette pack and a pee pad, ingesting portions of both materials. Shortly afterward, the patient developed persistent vomiting and was brought to our hospital.

* Examination

Upon presentation, the patient showed signs of nausea and repeated vomiting. Based on the history of foreign body ingestion, gastrointestinal obstruction was suspected, and contrast fluoroscopy was performed to evaluate gastrointestinal transit.
 

* Procedure and Treatment

→ A contrast agent was administered orally, and fluoroscopic images were obtained immediately after administration, followed by serial imaging at 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes.

→ The progression of the contrast medium through the stomach and intestines was continuously monitored to assess gastrointestinal motility and identify any delay or obstruction.

→ Bloodwork revealed dehydration secondary to repeated vomiting, so intravenous fluid therapy was administered concurrently during the examination.

* Fluoroscopic Findings

One minute after contrast administration, the contrast medium was evenly distributed throughout the stomach, with a portion already passing through the pylorus into the proximal small intestine.

At 10 minutes, the contrast had progressed further into the small intestine while continuous gastric emptying was observed.

At the 30- and 60-minute follow-up examinations, the contrast medium had advanced through multiple loops of the small intestine toward the distal intestinal tract. No focal retention of contrast or abnormal intestinal dilation was identified.

At 120 minutes, the contrast medium had reached the colon, demonstrating continuous and normal gastrointestinal transit throughout the examination.

No radiographic evidence of focal contrast accumulation, delayed transit, interruption of luminal flow, or complete intestinal obstruction was observed.

* Outcome

Based on these findings, complete intestinal obstruction caused by the ingested foreign material was considered unlikely.

The patient received adequate intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration caused by persistent vomiting and was subsequently discharged.

Follow-up evaluation revealed no recurrence of vomiting or any other abnormal clinical signs.

At  SKY ANIMAL HOSPITAL, we are committed to providing accurate diagnoses through reliable diagnostic testing rather than uncertain assumptions. Our goal is to relieve our patients' discomfort promptly while giving pet owners confidence and peace of mind through evidence-based veterinary care.

 SKY ANIMAL HOSPITAL