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Dog Ate Fishhook or Paw Injury: Symptoms & Emergency Treatment
Fishhook foreign bodies
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
SEVERITY:
- Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
- Resolves within hours
- Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
- Avoid allowing dogs to come in contact with fishhooks
- Transmission is not possible between animals or animals to people
- Diagnosis requires physical exam, x-rays
VERY COMMON IN
Symptoms & Signs
The clinical signs associated with fishhook foreign bodies vary by the location of the fishhook. Fishhooks in the mouth may cause drooling, pawing at the mouth, or trouble swallowing. If the fishhook is in the esophagus or stomach, a dog may gag, retch, vomit, stop eating, drool, have difficulty swallowing, or experience weight loss or dehydration. Fishhooks in the paw will cause a dog to limp, favor the affected foot, and lick the affected paw.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the presence of fishhooks in dogs is generally fairly straightforward. An x-ray can be performed to see if a fishhook was ingested and where it may be located.
Causation
Dogs may ingest fishhooks, which can then become lodged in the mouth, esophagus, or stomach. Fishhooks may also become stuck in the paw pads if a hook is walked on. The barbs present on fishhooks cause them to become deeply lodged in the tissue they are in contact with, and it can be difficult to remove without causing tissue damage. Due to these barbs, the induction of vomiting is not safe or effective after the ingestion of fishhooks, and it may make matters worse. In severe cases, fishhooks can perforate or migrate through the esophagus or stomach, leading to severe complications.
Treatments
AT-HOME CARE
To remove a fishhook that is embedded in the skin, push the hook through the flesh in the direction the barb is pointed. When the barb is visible, cut it off and pull out the hook. Many dogs will not allow this to happen at home and may require sedation at a vet clinic. If a hook is embedded deeply or more than one barb is through the skin, embedded in the mouth or throat, or if it has been swallowed (even with line attached), seek veterinary assistance immediately. Do not attempt to pull back on swallowed fishing line since this may set the hook and make it harder for a vet to remove.
SUPPORTIVE CARE
A veterinarian may give a dog an anesthetic to aid in removing a hook that is deeply embedded in flesh, in the mouth, or in the esophagus. If a dog has become dehydrated as a result of a hook that has been swallowed, hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary.
MEDICATIONS
If a fishhook has perforated the esophagus, stomach, or skin of a foot, antibiotics are needed to treat possible infection. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs are often needed.
DEVICES
None
SURGERY
If a hook has been swallowed, a veterinarian may remove it surgically.
SPECIALISTS
Fishhooks may be removed by general practitioner veterinarians or may be referred to veterinary specialists in emergency/critical care, surgery, or internal medicine (for endoscopy).
Cost Of Treatment
Cost to remove and treat an embedded superficial fishhook, injury or wound may cost less than $500. If surgery or endoscopy are required, costs may increase to between $800 and $1500 or more depending on the size of the dog and location of the hook.
Recovery
Most mouth wounds will heal quickly without much further care. Foot wounds should be cleaned and bandaged by a veterinarian. If surgery was performed, keep the incision clean and follow any diet and feeding schedules recommended by a veterinarian as the wounds heal.
Monitoring
Following the removal of a fishhook, dogs should be monitored to assure that they are eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally. If a dog remains lethargic, continues to vomit, and refuses to eat, it is possible that the fishhook caused internal damage. In these cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Prevention
Avoid allowing dogs to come in contact with fishhooks by keeping all fishing tackle out of reach and off the ground.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. Treatment should only be provided under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.