Imaging of gastrointestinal foreign body obstructions in dogs and cats

Partial or complete gastrointestinal foreign body (GI-FB) obstruction is a common syndrome in small animals, and prompt diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and prognosis. Although previous studies have described radiographic and ultrasonographic features and reported diagnostic performance, the true prevalence of this condition remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GI-FB obstruction and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of radiography and ultrasonography in dogs and cats referred to a single institution over a 20-year period. The dog population included 73 males (5 neutered) and 37 females (15 neutered), with a median age of 3.3 years and a predominance of mixed breeds. The cat population consisted of 14 males (12 neutered) and 15 females (11 neutered), with domestic short-haired cats most represented. The prevalence of GI-FB obstruction was low in both dogs and cats (0.58% and 1%, respectively). In both species, affected animals were significantly younger than the reference population. Male dogs were overrepresented (p < 0.002), whereas neutered cats were more frequently affected (p < 0.03). Segmental intestinal dilatation was the most common radiographic sign, while ultrasonography most frequently demonstrated direct visualization of the foreign body and intestinal fluid dilatation. These findings support ultrasonography as the primary modality when gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction is suspected, although combining both techniques increased diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Despite its perceived frequency, gastrointestinal obstruction by foreign bodies showed a low prevalence and was more common in young, male dogs and in young, neutered cats.