Dog Swallowed a Sock? See How Endoscopy Solved It Without Surgery

Foreign body ingestion is a common emergency in small animal practice. This case demonstrates how a portable veterinary endoscope enabled a fast, safe, and minimally invasive solution.

Case Source

Henan Aita Animal Hospital

Patient Background

• Breed: West Highland White Terrier
• Gender: Male
• Age: 3 months

Clinical Symptoms

The puppy accidentally swallowed a sock, leading to severe vomiting. Despite the symptoms, the dog remained in relatively stable condition with no signs of systemic infection.

Procedure Overview

The veterinary team first used X-ray imaging to locate the foreign object. The dog was then placed under general anesthesia.

A JeetVet RAE-105P veterinary endoscope was inserted through the oral cavity. Using the JeetVet irrigation and suction pump, the stomach was insufflated to improve visibility.

Once the sock was identified, forceps were introduced through the working channel to successfully remove it.

Core Surgical Approach

Under full anesthesia, the endoscope was guided from the mouth through the esophagus into the stomach to retrieve the swallowed sock.

This method is ideal when the foreign object is still located in the stomach, significantly reducing surgical risks.

Key Procedure Steps

• Fasting and fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
• X-ray or ultrasound to confirm foreign body location
• Pre-anesthetic blood tests (CBC, biochemistry, coagulation)
• Stable anesthesia with intubation to prevent aspiration
• Insertion of 5.8mm diameter / 2.0mm channel endoscope (RAE-105P)
• Use of irrigation pump for controlled insufflation (4–6 mmHg)
• Foreign body removal using endoscopic forceps

Advantages vs Traditional Surgery

Aspect	Endoscopic Removal	Open Surgery
Invasiveness	Minimally invasive	Highly invasive
Recovery	Fast recovery	Long recovery time
Pain Level	Minimal	High
Procedure Time	Short	Long
Cost	Lower	Higher

Limitations

• Foreign body located in the distal intestine
• Severe impaction or intestinal necrosis
• Perforation or peritonitis
• Sharp or rigid objects (bones, needles)
• Failure to grasp object after multiple attempts

Postoperative Care

• Fasting: 12–24 hours if no mucosal damage
• Medication: Antiemetics and gastric protectants
• Fluids: Correct dehydration and electrolytes
• Monitoring: Observe vomiting, appetite, and activity
• Diet: Soft, digestible food in small portions

Why Choose JeetVet Endoscope?

This case highlights the clinical value of JeetVet portable veterinary endoscope systems:

• High-definition imaging for accurate diagnosis
• Dual-channel design for treatment + visualization
• Portable and easy to operate
• Ideal for small animal clinics and emergency cases

Conclusion

Endoscopic foreign body removal is a safe, efficient, and minimally invasive solution. Compared to traditional surgery, it significantly improves recovery time and reduces risk.

For clinics and distributors, investing in a portable veterinary endoscope is a strategic move toward advanced veterinary care.