When Curiosity Turns Dangerous - Foreign Bodies in Pets and Livestock
Dogs, cats, and goats are curious by nature, and sometimes that curiosity leads them to swallow or step on things they shouldn’t. From swallowed toys to sharp pasture debris, foreign bodies can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening issues in both pets and livestock. At Gursky Veterinary Services in Springtown, TX, we treat foreign body cases regularly, and fast action can make all the difference.
What Is a Foreign Body?
A foreign body is anything that enters the body and doesn’t belong there. This can include:
Swallowed items (socks, bones, string, toys, trash)
Objects lodged in paws, hooves, ears, or eyes (thorns, foxtails, nails, wire)
Inhaled or lodged items in the nose or throat
Penetrating wounds from sticks, wire, or splinters
Common Foreign Body Issues in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t. We commonly treat:
Gastrointestinal blockages from bones, toys, clothing, and corn cobs
Foxtails in ears or paws, which can cause infection or abscesses
String or yarn ingestion, which can cut through the intestines
Bones or sticks caught in the mouth or throat
Signs your pet may have a foreign body include:
Vomiting or gagging
Lethargy and loss of appetite
Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain
Straining to defecate or changes in bowel movements
Licking, limping, head shaking, or constant scratching
Foreign Bodies in Livestock
Livestock, especially goats and cattle, may eat or step on things in the pasture that cause problems. Common concerns include:
Hardware disease in cattle (ingestion of nails, wire, metal)
Lameness from sharp objects in the hooves
Eye injuries from hay, sticks, or wire
Choking from improperly chewed food or foreign objects
Watch for these signs:
Sudden lameness or favoring a limb
Drooling, coughing, or retching
Swelling, abscesses, or discharge
Behavioral changes or a sudden drop in appetite or production
What to Do if You Suspect a Foreign Body
Foreign body issues can worsen and may require surgery or emergency treatment. Here's what to do:
Don’t wait. Time is critical, especially for swallowed objects.
Keep your pet or animal calm to prevent further injury.
Call Gursky Veterinary Services right away. We can walk you through the next steps and prepare for emergency care if needed.
Avoid home remedies. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
Prevention Tips
Keep small objects, trash, and toys out of reach
Use muzzles or grazing guards if needed for repeat offenders
Regularly inspect pastures, pens, and feeding areas for debris
Choose chew toys carefully and avoid anything that can be easily torn or swallowed
Supervise pets, especially puppies and young animals
Gursky Veterinary Services Can Help
If you think your pet or livestock has ingested or been injured by a foreign object, don’t take chances. Our team in Springtown, TX, offers fast diagnostics, expert care, and surgical services when needed. We’re here to help your animals recover and keep their curiosity from turning into an emergency.
