Cat Swallowed a Foreign Object? How Veterinary Endoscopy Saved the Day in Just 10 Minutes
Patient Background
Fubao is a lively 9-month-old Ragdoll cat. One day, the owner noticed that it kept “air chewing” and then suddenly swallowed something. Over the next one to two days, Fubao’s appetite decreased; it hid in corners, curled up in its bed at night, and reacted by crying when its abdomen was touched. Realizing something was wrong, the owner rushed it to the hospital.
Accurate Diagnosis
After admission, the veterinarian combined the history of “air chewing followed by swallowing a suspicious object” and strongly suspected ingestion of a high-density foreign body such as metal or plastic—materials that can easily cause gastric perforation or obstruction. Initial imaging was performed to screen for risks. The results showed an abnormal high-density shadow in the stomach, indicating the presence of a suspected foreign body that required further verification.
A JeetVet endoscope was then used for direct gastric examination. Through the high-definition camera, the veterinarian clearly observed a high-density foreign body located in the mid-stomach (consistent with the imaging findings). The surrounding gastric mucosa showed no bleeding or signs of perforation. Although no severe damage had occurred yet, the object needed to be removed promptly.
Minimally Invasive Treatment
Based on the endoscopic findings, the medical team formulated a “minimally invasive extraction with minimal trauma” plan. Using JeetVet’s endoscope together with precision instruments, the foreign body was directly retrieved from the stomach under anesthesia. The entire procedure took only about 10 minutes. Fubao’s vital signs remained stable, and it recovered quickly after waking up.
Why Not Traditional Open Surgery?
Traditional laparotomy requires opening the abdominal cavity, causing significant trauma and slow recovery (often requiring 5–7 days of hospitalization). With the JeetVet endoscope, the instrument enters the stomach through the mouth—no skin or stomach incision is needed. Postoperative care only requires 6 hours of fasting, followed by gradual reintroduction of soft food.
Key Takeaways
The success of this case relied on:
1. Layered Diagnostic System
Imaging first identified the presence and approximate location of a high-density foreign body. JeetVet endoscopy then provided direct visualization, confirming the object’s characteristics and mucosal condition with high precision. This ensured a clear, accurate basis for selecting a minimally invasive treatment approach.
2. Advantages of Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Therapy
JeetVet’s soft, slim insertion tube and high-definition view enabled precise retrieval of the foreign body. The procedure avoided unnecessary trauma to the gastrointestinal tract, effectively reducing the risk of intestinal obstruction and other complications.
