Everyone loves a little shiny tinsel on the Christmas tree, even your pets. Gastric foreign body is a term that refers to any material other than food that is eaten which may result in a serious digestive problem in the stomach. Foreign bodies such as toys, string, clothing and plastic can become lodged in the stomach and create an obstruction. Any household object your pet chews on can become a foreign body problem - even tinsel. Pets may eat tinsel or other household objects resulting in this life-threatening condition.
Gastrointestinal foreign bodies occur when a pet ingests an object that cannot pass through the GI tract, subsequently getting lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or small or large intestine. GI foreign bodies are a life threatening veterinary emergency causing severe pain and discomfort and ultimately death if left untreated. Clinical signs of GI foreign body obstruction include: 
· Sudden Loss of Appetite
· Excessive Drooling
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea or Lack of Feces
· Distended or Painful Abdomen
· Lethargy and/or Depression
GI foreign body obstruction is requires immediate veterinary attention. Time is often of the essence in these cases. GI foreign body obstructions are diagnosed by a combination of history, physical examination, x-rays, and a special x-ray imaging technique called a barium series. Foreign bodies must be surgically removed as quickly as possible. DO NOT hesitate to contact us immediately if you suspect your pet has a foreign body obstruction.
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