Acute Gastric Obstruction in a 3-Year-Old Cat Caused by Toy Ingestion: A Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Case

“Huáng Tiántián,” a 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat, is usually lively and energetic. Recently, however, she began experiencing intermittent vomiting, with symptoms noticeably worsening over the past two days. The attentive owner also realized that several small toys at home had mysteriously gone missing. Considering the cat’s habit of picking up small objects, the owner immediately became alert.

What raised further concern was Huáng Tiántián’s previous history of acute gastritis. Given these abnormal signs, the owner chose not to delay and promptly brought her to a veterinary clinic for examination.

Accurate Diagnosis: Imaging Identifies a Hidden Gastric Risk

Upon admission, physical examination revealed marked abdominal tenderness. Vital signs were stable and no fever was present, but Huáng Tiántián showed obvious lethargy and reduced appetite. To clarify the cause, diagnostic imaging was performed immediately.

The imaging results provided a critical clue: an abnormal high-density shadow was detected in the gastric region, with density characteristics clearly different from surrounding soft tissues. A gastric foreign body was highly suspected, and gastroscopy was recommended without delay.

Gastroscopic examination clearly revealed a foreign object in the stomach, consistent in appearance with a toy-related foreign body. Combined with the medical history of intermittent vomiting and recent symptom aggravation, a definitive diagnosis was made: acute gastrointestinal obstruction caused by ingestion of a toy foreign body.

Without timely intervention, this condition could lead to serious complications such as gastrointestinal perforation, bleeding, or complete obstruction, potentially becoming life-threatening. Immediate treatment was therefore advised.

Minimally Invasive Treatment: Non-Surgical Removal to Protect a Life

To minimize physical trauma as much as possible, the veterinary team decided to use JeetVet endoscopy for non-surgical removal. Compared with traditional open abdominal surgery, endoscopy allows access to the stomach via the oral cavity without incisions to the skin or gastric wall, significantly reducing surgical trauma.

Under anesthesia, the veterinarian used the high-definition imaging and precise control system of the JeetVet endoscope to carefully locate the foreign body and remove it intact using specialized instruments. The entire procedure was smooth and efficient.

Huáng Tiántián’s vital signs remained stable throughout, and she safely passed through the procedure with minimal discomfort.

Postoperatively, a comprehensive care plan was implemented to support recovery. This included medications to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, antiemetics to control vomiting, and safe antibiotics to prevent infection—working together to promote rapid healing.

Key Takeaways: Early Detection and a Professional Plan Are Essential

The successful treatment of Huáng Tiántián was based on two core factors. 

▪️First, accurate diagnosis through diagnostic imaging rapidly identified the high-density gastric foreign body, clarified its location and potential risks, and provided a clear direction for subsequent treatment—avoiding unnecessary or blind intervention.

▪️Second, a minimally invasive treatment philosophy was adopted. By prioritizing approaches such as JeetVet endoscopy, the foreign body was removed directly from the stomach via the oral route, without open surgery. This avoided the significant trauma and complications associated with traditional procedures, greatly shortened recovery time, and truly achieved maximum protection with minimal injury.

Veterinary Advice: Attention to Details Keeps Pets Safer

▪️Check Toys Regularly: Inspect toys frequently and replace them promptly if damaged or loose to prevent accidental ingestion.

▪️Observe Closely: Monitor appetite, behavior, and energy levels; seek professional veterinary care as early as possible if abnormalities appear.

▪️Feed Scientifically: Provide a balanced diet and avoid prolonged hunger or picky eating that may lead pets to ingest inappropriate objects.

Huáng Tiántián’s case serves as a reminder that careful prevention and timely intervention can help keep our furry companions safe, healthy, and happily growing.