My puppy ate a glove, is lethargic. What signs mean urgent vet visit?

Question

My puppy likely ate a fabric glove. X-rays were consistent with a foreign body stuck in the area of the pyloric sphincter. I was sent home with a laxative, cerenia, and I/d prescription food and told that if she doesn’t begin eating without vomiting by tomorrow, I should bring her back. She ate without vomiting this evening but is still acting lethargic. What specific things should I watch for? How do I know she needs to go back immediately, and can this process of waiting be harmful? Pet's info: Dog | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 10 days old | 36 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sometimes the foreign body is small enough to pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing a problem and can be medically managed as it seems to be in your description with your veterinarian. However, sometimes foreign bodies do get stuck in the intestine and can cause an intestinal obstruction that requires surgery. it is good Marla is eating and has not vomited, but if you notice anytime in the next 48 hours that her lethargy is not improving, she loses her appetite, starts vomiting, or having diarrhea, I would recommend taking her in again. Even if the glove passes through the pyloric sphincter, it can get stuck elsewhere in the intestinal tract. Initially, waiting isn't considered harmful if the object is suspected to be small enough and believed to be passable, but if it is large enough, it may cause an obstruction and should be treated surgically. Again, signs to watch out for that would warrant another vet visit would be lack of appetite, continued lethargy or worsening lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea in the next 48 hours. I hope this helps! Best of luck!

My puppy ate a glove, is lethargic. What signs mean urgent vet visit?

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