07/09/2026
🐶🪡 NEEDLE FOREIGN BODY IN A DOG
Sometimes, the smallest objects can become the biggest emergencies. Benjie, a male shih tzu was brought to our clinic due to neck swelling and repeated gagging, particularly while eating.
🔎DIAGNOSTIC FINDING
Radiographic examination confirmed the presence of a needle foreign body in the oropharyngeal region. Because of the sharp nature and location of the object, careful removal was necessary to prevent further tissue injury.
🩺PROCEDURE AND OUTCOME ✨
A laryngoscope was carefully used to visualize the oropharyngeal area and facilitate safe retrieval of the needle. The foreign body was successfully removed without the need of surgical intervention.
⚠️REMINDER FOR PET OWNERS
If your pet develops:
🔸Difficulty swallowing
🔸Excessive drooling
🔸Neck or Throat swelling
🔸Reluctant to eat
🔸Pawing at the mouth
🚫Never attempt to remove a suspected needle or sharp foreign body at home.
🚫Do not induce vomiting
🚫Do not force food or water to push the object down.
✅PREVENTION IS THE KEY!
Keep potentially dangerous objects safely away from pets:
🔹Needles and pins
🔹Thread, yarn and strings
🔹Fish hooks
🔹Scissors and sharp tools
🔹Household waste
🐾Early recognition, appropriate imaging and safe removal can prevent a small foreign object from becoming a life-threatening emergency.