Gastrointestinal linear foreign bodies in cats: A retrospective study of 12 cases

Abstract

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies are common in animals and may present with various clinical manifestations depending on the location, severity, and duration of the obstruction. Linear foreign body (LFB) obstructions are more common in cats compared to dogs, and the foreign body causing the obstruction is usually thread or threaded needle. In our study, it was aimed to determine the radiography and the localization of the obstruction in the diagnosis of LFB in cats, to investigate the operative treatment options and their effects on the prognosis. The study material consisted of 12 cats of different breeds, ages, and genders, who were referred with the suspicion of foreign body with acute/chronic vomiting and anorexia. After the identification of the foreign body causing the obstruction, treatment was planned considering its localization, severity and duration of pathology. All foreign bodies were removed surgical procedures. The most common finding was the plication in the intestines. Four cats died in the postoperative period. As a result, early and rapid diagnosis in LFB positively affects the prognosis. Intestinal perforations caused by LFB and infection due to bacterial translocation are inevitable in delayed cases. Another issue to be considered is that in cats that show symptoms of gastrointestinal system origin, it is extremely important to carry out a detailed examination of the mouth. In addition, it is thought that trying to pull out the LFBs that protruding out from the anus increases the risk of perforation in the intestines.

Surgical Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Cats

“…The main surgical procedures performed in the body of the stomach include gastrostomy tube placement, gastrotomy, and gastrectomy. A gastrotomy is usually performed to remove foreign bodies, inspect the gastric lumen, or obtain full-thickness biopsies [ 43 , 44 ]. During gastrotomy, the big vessels should be avoided, and the incision is performed in a rather hypovascular area between the greater and the lesser curvature on the ventral surface of the stomach [ 45 ] ( Figure 8 ).…”

Sewing thread lodged under a cat's tongue caused an intestinal obstruction: a case report

“…The item is caught under the tongue and then swallowed, resulting in an anchored linear item descending into the stomach and intestines. Early detection of foreign bodies in the intestines of cats is crucial for successful treatment and a good prognosis for the patient (Parlak et al 2022). However, the presence of linear foreign objects (LFBs), such as threads, tapes, or strings, poses a challenge.…”