My puppy ate styrofoam, now his umbilical hernia hurts. What to do?

It's difficult to know for sure, because the there are different types of styrofoam and there's a concern for causing an obstruction in the stomach or intestines. If she ate it within the last three hours, then it's possible that it can be retrieved from the stomach if you take her to the vet. This will require anesthesia and special instrumentation though, so it would be expected to be somewhat costly - especially at an emergency clinic. This is the best option though. It will also be best to identify the brand and contents of the styrofoam and make sure there are no other concerns with toxicity. The other option is waiting to see if it passes OK. Normal GI transit time is 3-5 days for such things. During this time you would just be waiting to see if she has any signs of an obstruction. Signs of an obstructions are vomiting, not defecating, acting very painful/depressed and a decrease in appetite. If you notice these signs, then Akela would need to go to the vet immediately for emergency surgery. I hope that helps and all is well with Akela.

Poor girl. Styrofoam does have the potential to cause an obstruction, although smaller pieces have less of a tendency to do so. Monitor her for signs of an intestinal obstruction which includes excessive vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain and weakness. Typically signs of an obstruction will occur within 24-48 hrs. If she seems fine beyond this then she's in the clear; however if you note these symptoms then take her to the vet immediately. In the meantime, feed her wet (canned) food to help bind it and then take her on 20-30 minute brisk walks twice a day to promote GI motility.

Since Panda ate some foam padding yesterday and has ben vomiting and eating less, my main concern is that he has developed a stomach or intestinal obstruction. He needs to see a vet immediately for an exam and abdominal x-rays to try to determine if he is obstructed. Foreign body obstructions are a surgical emergency. I hope he's on the mend soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hachi! He is so cute! If Hachi ate the one the black buttons on the bottom it could be stuck in his intestines. He is a small dog. The only way to know if it is stuck requiring surgery is to take him to the Emergency hospital for an exam and belly X-rays. If he has an obstruction, time is of the essence and he should have it removed as soon as possible, meaning today versus tomorrow. Other causes of vomiting are possible: parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, food allergy or intolerance, etc. I hope this helps and I wish Hachi the best!!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since she is exhibiting some signs of eating foreign material, it is very important at this point to make sure that she is not obstructed as that will require therapy. I would highly recommend you consider having her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on this with abdominal radiographs and proceed with therapy accordingly. Keep in mind that in some cases of an obstruction, surgery is necessary and the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the outcome tends to be. Have a good day!

I am concerned that Goldie's umbilical hernia seems larger. If the hernia has opened up more, then the abdominal organs such as the omentum and intestines can slip through the hole, leading to strangulation of them. That would make her quite uncomfortable to sit and lie down, and pain would cause her to shake. Based on this, yes I would have Goldie see an emergency vet now.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting and inappetence can occur from many conditions such as foreign body ingestion and obstruction, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. I am concerned that he could be showing signs of an obstruction which is something that requires therapy which sometimes includes surgery. I recommend that you have Jager evaluated by a veterinarian at this point for further assessment and treatment. This will likely require bloodwork and abdominal imaging in terms of diagnostics. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least your veterinarian could start him on medications to make him feel better. In the meantime, keep water available at all times to try to prevent dehydration. Good luck and have a good night!