Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in pet pigs: 17 cases

Abstract Background Pigs have an indiscriminate eating behavior placing them at high risk of developing foreign body (FB) obstructions. Objectives Describe the clinical and diagnostic features, treatments, and outcome of pet pigs diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) FBs. Medical and surgical treatments, pig outcomes, and post‐mortem findings were also investigated. Animals Seventeen pet pigs. Methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted. Gastrointestinal FBs were defined as swallowed objects that became lodged within the gastrointestinal tract distal to the cardia identified during exploratory laparotomy. Results Common clinical signs were anorexia/hyporexia, tachypnea, vomiting, dehydration, tachycardia, and ileus. Diagnostic imaging identified the presence of a FB in 4 cases. Upon celiotomy, the FBs were in the stomach and small intestine in 17 cases and large colon in 2 cases. Types of FB included fruit pit, diaper, and metallic objects. Of the 17 pigs, 15 (88%) were discharged from the hospital and 2 (12%) were euthanized. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Clinical signs of GI FB were similar to those reported in obstipated pigs. Diagnostic imaging has limitations for detection of FB. Surgical removal of FBs in pigs carried a good prognosis.