QUESTION: My
little dog just swallowed a chicken bone. Snatched it out
of my hand while I was eating supper? I know this is not
good. Please advise?
ANSWER: Not good
at all. Chicken bones, ALL poultry bones, even pork bones,
etc. SPLINTER when chewed up to be swallowed. FEMURS (round
leg bones from Cattle are safest), they CHIP when chewed up
to be swallowed. The rounded chips pass through the
digestive system much easier than a bone that Splinters into
sharp fragments.
Watch closely for up to one week
minimum (usually far sooner) for Vomiting, appearing in
pain or depressed behavior, diarrhea (often with
evidence of blood) etc. etc. Get to Vet immediately if
any such symptoms appear.
INTESTINAL FOREIGN BODIES
Obstructions from foreign bodies
occur in dogs that eat BONES, sticks, stones, cloth,
rubber, leather, hides, some plastics and balls of hair
material. Passage of these objects can be aided by
giving "Mineral Oil". It MUST NOT be given to a
struggling dog who could accidentally inhale it. "It is
best added to the dogs feed".
If your dog has swallowed Bone
fragments, you might try to coat them by feeding with a
substance such as bread or flour paste. This affords
the possibility the fragments can pass through without
causing as much harm. In cases where the dog appears in
distress, such as vomiting or just lying around in
severe pain or distress, you must get the dog to a vet
immediately. The vet will more than likely have to do
surgery to save your pet's life. Do not delay if any
sign of distress in the dog.
