Gastric foreign body: radiograph before endoscopy
2-year-old dog that swallowed the cap of a sauce bottle 12 hours ago. It has vomited twice but is stable, with no abdominal pain. Endoscopy is scheduled for the following morning. Lateral abdominal radiograph:
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Before the endoscopy, what is most appropriate?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide to try to avoid endoscopy
Hydrogen peroxide is not a safe emetic: it can cause severe gastritis and oesophagitis. Moreover, a rigid object may lodge in the oesophagus when vomited.
B. Repeat the radiograph just before endoscopy to confirm the object is still in the stomach
Correct. Foreign bodies move: they can pass into the duodenum or be vomited within hours. A radiograph just before anaesthesia avoids a futile endoscopy or allows a timely switch to surgery.
C. Perform a barium series to outline the object better before removing it
The object is already visible. Barium coats the mucosa and the object, impairs the endoscopic view and delays the procedure.
D. No further radiograph is needed: an object this size cannot leave the stomach
Many objects of this size pass the pylorus in medium and large dogs and can then obstruct the bowel. Its position must be confirmed on the same day.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Confirm the position of the foreign body with a radiograph on the day of endoscopy or surgery. Also assess the bowel: if any loop exceeds about 1.6 times the height of the L5 body or there are two populations of loops, suspect intestinal obstruction.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.