Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare but serious injury in dogs caused by swallowing a wooden foreign object which then migrates outside of the gastrointestinal tract and damages the abdomen and chest.

The signs of this injury are typically unclear and hard to recognize, making it difficult to diagnose, especially if it wasn’t observed when the dog ingested the object.

The treatment involves a combined abdominal and chest surgery to remove the foreign object and treat any injuries it caused. The paper presents the outcomes of such surgeries in four dogs.

The results showed that this combined surgery provided outcomes similar to previous cases, but it was common for the dogs to experience serious complications and require a long hospital stay for recovery.

FAQs

  1. What are the signs of this rare injury caused by swallowing a wooden foreign object in dogs?
  2. What is the treatment for this type of injury in dogs?
  3. What are the typical outcomes and complications of the combined abdominal and chest surgery to treat this injury?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sternotomy is to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a certain period of time after the surgery to allow for proper healing of the chest incision. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sternotomy are those who have suffered from serious injuries to the chest and abdomen, such as those caused by swallowing foreign objects that have migrated outside of the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of the research paper discussed, dogs who had ingested wooden foreign objects and experienced damage to their abdomen and chest were recommended for sternotomy surgery.

These patients may exhibit signs such as abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty breathing, which may indicate the presence of a foreign object causing damage in the chest and abdomen. Diagnosing such injuries can be challenging, especially if the ingestion of the foreign object was not observed.

Sternotomy surgery is recommended for patients who require both abdominal and chest surgery to remove the foreign object and treat any associated injuries. This type of surgery is typically performed in cases where the foreign object has caused significant damage to multiple areas of the body.

Patients who undergo sternotomy surgery may experience serious complications and require a prolonged hospital stay for recovery. However, the outcomes of such surgeries can be successful in treating the underlying injuries and helping the patient to recover.

Timeline

Before sternotomy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart condition.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ECG, echocardiogram, and possibly a cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of symptoms.
  3. Once a decision is made to proceed with surgery, patient undergoes pre-operative preparations such as blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with the surgical team.

After sternotomy:

  1. Patient is brought into the operating room and placed under general anesthesia.
  2. Surgeon makes an incision in the chest and separates the sternum to access the heart or lungs.
  3. Surgery is performed to repair or replace damaged structures in the chest cavity.
  4. After surgery, patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit for complications such as bleeding, infection, or respiratory issues.
  5. Patient undergoes post-operative care including pain management, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy to aid in recovery.
  6. Patient is discharged from the hospital once stable and continues follow-up care with their healthcare provider.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sternotomy surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery period expected to be following sternotomy surgery?

  3. What can I expect in terms of pain management and post-operative care after undergoing sternotomy surgery?

  4. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow after sternotomy surgery?

  5. How successful is sternotomy surgery in treating the specific condition or injury I am experiencing?

  6. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how do they compare to sternotomy surgery in terms of effectiveness and recovery time?

  7. How experienced are you in performing sternotomy surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

  8. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of following sternotomy surgery?

  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after undergoing sternotomy surgery?

  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent future complications after sternotomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: DeForge TL, Singh A, Appleby R, Yiew XT, Bersenas AM. Journal: Can Vet J. 2023 Sep;64(9):839-843. PMID: 37663025