Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Skewer stuck in dog's stomach - vomiting, scope, or surgery outcomes
By Lane, S F et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2026·Greencross Veterinary Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management and prognosis of skewer foreign body ingestion in dogs: A comparative study of 114 cases following emesis, endoscopic retrieval or surgical removal.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Labrador was brought in after swallowing a metal skewer, which can cause serious damage to the intestines. The vet induced vomiting to try to retrieve the skewer, which worked successfully in about 79% of cases when done soon after ingestion. For dogs where vomiting wasn’t effective, endoscopy or surgery was performed, both of which retrieved the skewer without complications in all cases. Fortunately, all dogs in this study survived and were discharged, with only minor complications noted in a few cases.
People also search for: dog swallowed skewer treatment · Labrador vomiting foreign object · dog surgery for swallowed object
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ingestion of skewer foreign bodies is a common veterinary presentation and can cause perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment strategies for retrieval include: induction of emesis, endoscopic or surgical retrieval. There is a lack of literature describing the treatment options and prognosis for skewer foreign bodies. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical presentation of dogs with skewer foreign body ingestion, and to compare outcomes and complication rates between treatment with emesis, endoscopic retrieval or surgical intervention. METHODS: Retrospective study of dogs with confirmed ingestion of a skewer or popsicle stick. Data were collected on signalment, whether ingestion was witnessed, type of object, duration of clinical signs, location of the skewer and treatment performed. Outcomes and complication rates were compared between treatment modalities. RESULTS: A total of 114 dogs were included. Of these, 48 dogs had emesis induced, 14 dogs had endoscopy performed and 52 dogs underwent surgical removal. Skewers were successfully retrieved in 38/48 (79.2%) via emesis, and 100% by endoscopy or surgery. All dogs survived to discharge. Within the surgical group, the skewer penetrated the gastrointestinal tract in 40/52 dogs (75.5%). Minor complications occurred in 4/13 (30.8%) and 15/47 (31.2%) of dogs following endoscopy and surgery, respectively. Major complications occurred in 2/47 (4.3%) undergoing surgery. No complications occurred within the emesis group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Induction of emesis, endoscopic and surgical retrieval are feasible treatments for skewer foreign bodies in dogs. Emesis was effective in dogs who presented soon after ingestion. Complication rates were low, even with perforation of the gastrointestinal tract or other organs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41235690/