Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

mrkenjiro · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

Hi Doc/Guys,

My dog swallowed two pebbles from the fish pond.
We sent her to the vet and from the X-Ray scan, we saw the two pebbles the size of 50 cents coins. One of the pebbles seems to have sharp edges.
The vet gave some medicine to soften her poo hopefully the pebbles will comes up.
But it has been 3 days now and I think it will quite be impossible for the pebbles to come out 'naturally'.

Is operation really necessary in this case to remove the stone from her stomach?

Will the pebbles stuck somewhere in her intestine?

Any long term effect on her if we do not remove the pebbles?

Sorry for so many question.
Thank you.

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

Depending on the size of the pebbles, it can come out 'naturally' - with the help of some lubrucant. That's perhaps what the vet gave you. Has your vet also mentioned any other advice?

If the stones are big enough, they can get "stuck" in the intestines. In this case, it will be an emergency procedure, and surgical removal is required. If it gets stuck in the upper intestines, you'll see a lot of vomiting in your dog and possibly a painful abdomen. Better bring to a vet quickly if you see those signs.

If left alone, sometimes pebbles like that could remain in the stomach for quite a long time. If it just stays in the stomach, there should be no problem, unless it turns into a "bezoar" - hairball.

So, now you've got a few choices.
1. Do nothing - and wait for signs of obstruction, then take it to the vet for surgery
2. Give more lubricant, and wait for it to come out the back door
3. Surgical removal of the stones at once

Discuss with your vet the next steps. All choices are valid choices - depending on the size of those pebbles.