Gastrointestinal emergencies involving foreign body obstructions can be complex and highly dynamic cases. Patients may present markedly unstable, with the potential for rapid deterioration, and the ultimate prognosis often remains uncertain until full surgical findings are known. These situations can evolve minute by minute, demanding constant reassessment and adaptation from the treating team. At the same time, owners experience a wide spectrum of emotions — anxiety, fear, hope, and everything in between — while navigating difficult decisions for their pet’s care.
This case study highlights the importance of clear communication, rapid decision-making, and strong collaboration between the specialist team, referring veterinarian, and pet owner when managing complex gastrointestinal emergencies.
At Southpaws, our experienced Emergency, Surgery, Anaesthesia, and ICU teams work closely together to guide patients and their families through these challenging situations with coordinated, compassionate care.
Duffy presented to our Malvern Emergency Service in April with an acute onset of vomiting and inappetence. On examination, Duffy was dull and markedly dehydrated. Point-of-care ultrasound revealed scant free abdominal fluid and markedly dilated bowel loops, while radiographs were concerning for a small intestinal obstruction.
After overnight stabilisation, surgery identified a linear foreign body that had caused a distal jejunal perforation and septic peritonitis. Thirty centimetres of jejunum were resected and the bowel anastomosed. The procedure was particularly challenging due to extensive adhesions from Duffy’s previous abdominal surgery for mesenteric torsion one year earlier.
Duffy’s anaesthesia also presented significant challenges, with severe hypotension secondary to sepsis requiring advanced intraoperative support. Fortunately, our specialist Anaesthesia team was on hand throughout the procedure to carefully manage and support Duffy’s vital organ function using vasopressors and fresh frozen plasma transfusions as required.
Post-operatively, Duffy recovered in ICU with a central line, oesophagostomy tube, and Jackson-Pratt drain in place. Over the following six days, Duffy received intensive supportive care including multimodal analgesia, anti-emetics, intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, and enteral nutrition. Through careful monitoring and gradual weaning of support, Duffy made a steady recovery and was eating independently prior to discharge.
At Duffy’s two-week recheck, she was bright, eating enthusiastically, and passing normal stools – an excellent outcome following a significant surgical and critical care challenge.
Cases like Duffy’s demonstrate how effective teamwork, communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration across all stages of care can help guide complex, high-stakes cases toward positive outcomes. This integrated approach provides both referring veterinarians and pet owners with confidence when specialist intervention is required.
