My dog chewed her catheter. What to do if part is stuck inside her?

Depending on the size of the fragment, it may or may not cause an issue (catheter embolism) in the future. If it can be visualized on xray or ultrasound, monitoring its travel/location would be recommended. If it can, at any point, be retrieved with minimal risk it should be done. Monitor for lethargy, lameness, sudden onset extreme pain, difficulty breathing, swelling or bruising. See your vet immediately if Piper becomes painful anywhere near the fragment's present location.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is a good chance that she will pass it. However, it is important to watch closely for clinical signs consistent with an intestinal obstruction such as vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite. If any of the above are observed, she should be evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What a cutie he is!!! Yes, a catheter that remains in place for longer than 4-5 days can be harmful as it can cause infections, vasculitis and discomfort. I highly recommend that you take him back so that they can remove the catheter. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can be quite painful. I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can consider removing the dew claw to take the source of pain away or it can be treated with pain medications and antibiotics for instance. In the meantime, keep him from being able to reach it as he will likely want to lick or chew at it which can make it a lot worse. You may use an e-collar for that purpose. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She may or may not be able to pass it. You can monitor her closely for signs consistent with a gastrointestinal obstruction such as vomiting, nausea, inappetence and abdominal pain. If any of these signs are observed, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as those may be indications of an obstruction. That is often treated with endoscopy or surgery. Good luck and have a great day! I am hoping that everything goes well!

Given that it is so early after the surgery it would be best for your pet to be seen. Sutures or staples may need to be replaced and possibly oral antibiotics started. Chewing on the incision allows mouth bacteria to enter the wound. This can be dangerous if not addressed. If you call your vets office they should have a way for pets to be seen when they are closed, either a doctor on call or a number for a close er. You could also google a veterinary emergency clinic in your area. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is nothing you can do at home other than keeping the area around it as clean as possible. This warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible to try to prevent an infection. Best of luck!