Emergency Pet Foreign Body Removal in Summerville SC
Endoscopic pet foreign body removal is a minimally invasive procedure that safely extracts objects your pet has swallowed without requiring surgery. At Coastal Creek Animal Hospital in Summerville, SC, we use advanced endoscopic technology to remove dangerous objects through your patient’s mouth using a specialized camera and grasping tools. This procedure allows same-day recovery with less risk than traditional surgery—just last month, we removed toy figurines from a Golden Retriever who went home the same day.
Dr. Mack and our veterinary health care team specialize in emergency endoscopic foreign body removal, helping patients recover faster with less stress than general surgery. Our state-of-the-art facility on Old Trolley Road provides immediate primary care when your pet needs it most.
What is Endoscopic Foreign Body Removal?
Endoscopic foreign body removal is a minimally invasive procedure using advanced camera technology to safely remove objects your patient has swallowed. Unlike general surgery, this procedure requires no incisions—objects are retrieved through the mouth using a flexible endoscope with a high-definition camera that provides real-time visualization of the digestive tract.
Key Benefits:
- No surgical incisions required
- Faster recovery time (same-day discharge)
- Less anesthesia exposure and safer breathing management
- Lower risk of tissue damage and complications
- Cost-effective compared to general surgery
- Preserves digestive health with minimal trauma
The endoscope provides real-time visualization of the foreign object’s location in the esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine, enabling precise removal while protecting surrounding tissue and maintaining your pet’s overall health.
When Endoscopic Removal is Recommended
Endoscopic foreign body removal is a minimally invasive procedure Immediate endoscopic evaluation is recommended when patients show:
- Signs of digestive distress, vomiting, or inability to eat
- Breathing difficulties or excessive drooling
- Evidence of swallowing a non-food item
- X-ray confirmation of objects in the stomach or upper digestive tract
- Sharp, toxic, or obstructive materials in the digestive system
Timeline is Critical: Unlike general surgery, minimally invasive procedures can often be performed the same day you call, which is crucial for protecting tissue and preventing complications that could affect your pet’s long-term health.
The Endoscopic Removal Process
1
Emergency Assessment (15-30 minutes)
- Comprehensive physical examination and health evaluation
- Digital X-rays to locate the object within the digestive system
- Complete medical history review including current medications
- Insurance verification and treatment schedule coordination
2
Patient Medical History Considerations
During your initial consultation, our health care team reviews your patient’s complete medical history, including:
- Previous digestive health issues or procedures
- Current medications that might affect sedation or breathing
- Insurance coverage for emergency minimally invasive procedures
- Any history of gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn-like symptoms
- Previous reactions to sedation or breathing support
3
Pre-Procedure Preparation (15 minutes)
- Safe, modern sedation with continuous breathing and health monitoring
- IV catheter placement for medication administration
- Vital sign monitoring throughout the procedure
- Tissue protection protocols activated
4
Endoscopic Retrieval (30-60 minutes)
- High-definition camera navigation through the upper digestive tract
- Specialized grasping tools for safe removal without tissue damage
- Real-time visualization of esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
- Complete extraction verification ensuring digestive health
- No surgical incisions required—minimally invasive procedure only
5
Recovery and Discharge
- Most patients go home the same day
- Post-procedure health monitoring for 2-4 hours
- Detailed aftercare instructions for continued digestive health
- Follow-up schedule to ensure complete recovery
Protecting Your Pet’s Digestive Health
Foreign objects can severely impact your patient’s digestive health and overall well-being. Objects lodged in the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine can cause:
- Tissue damage and inflammation throughout the digestive system
- Breathing difficulties if the esophagus is blocked or compressed
- Liver complications from toxin absorption or digestive backup
- Duodenum obstruction requiring emergency medical intervention
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease-like symptoms including heartburn and regurgitation
- Complete digestive blockage threatening your pet’s health
Our internal medicine approach focuses on preserving digestive health while providing the emergency care your patient needs.
Common Foreign Objects We Remove
Four emergency veterinary health care team regularly removes a wide variety of dangerous objects from patients, including:
Household Items:
- Socks and underwear
- Children’s toys and figurines
- Hair ties and rubber bands
- Jewelry and small decorations
Food-Related Objects:
- Bones and rawhides
- Corn cobs
- Fruit pits and seeds
- Fishing hooks and lures
Outdoor Hazards:
- Sticks and wood chips
- Rocks and mulch
- Plant materials
- Holiday decorations
Dr. Mack’s extensive internal medicine training means we can handle complex cases that other primary care clinics might refer to specialty centers, saving you time and reducing stress for your patient.
Why Choose Coastal Creek Animal Hospital
Advanced Technology for Patient Health
We’ve invested in the same state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment used by specialty referral centers, providing expert health care without the need to travel to Charleston. Our minimally invasive procedure capabilities match those of major medical centers.
Dr. Mack’s Specialized Internal Medicine Training
Dr. Mack completed advanced endoscopic training during her clinical rotations at the University of Georgia, with specific focus on:
- Emergency digestive health interventions
- Minimally invasive procedure techniques
- Patient sedation and breathing management
- Tissue preservation during foreign body removal
- Internal medicine applications in emergency care
Same-Day Emergency Health Care
We maintain flexible scheduling to accommodate foreign body emergencies the same day you call. When your patient swallows something dangerous, waiting isn’t an option—their digestive health and overall well-being depend on immediate care.
Proven Success Rate
Our endoscopic foreign body removal has a 95% success rate, helping hundreds of local patients avoid invasive general surgery and recover quickly at home while maintaining optimal digestive health.
Cost and Insurance Information
Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Removal: $800-$1,500 (depending on complexity) Traditional General Surgery: $2,000-$4,000 (for comparison)
Payment and Insurance Options Available:
- Insurance verification completed during scheduling
- Pet insurance accepted for eligible procedures
- Care Credit financing for health care expenses
- Payment plans available for qualified patients
- Upfront cost estimates provided before procedure
Research and Medical Excellence
Our approach to endoscopic foreign body removal is based on current veterinary research and internal medicine best practices. Dr. Mack stays current with the latest research in minimally invasive procedures, digestive health management, and patient care protocols to ensure your pet receives the most advanced health care available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you perform emergency endoscopic removal?
We can typically perform this minimally invasive procedure the same day you call. Call (843) 948-0999 immediately if you suspect your patient has swallowed something harmful to their digestive health.
Is endoscopic removal safe for my pet’s health?
Yes, endoscopic removal is one of the safest methods for foreign object retrieval. This minimally invasive procedure eliminates general surgery risks while reducing anesthesia time, protecting tissue, and ensuring faster recovery with better breathing outcomes.
Does insurance cover endoscopic procedures?
Many pet insurance policies cover emergency endoscopic foreign body removal as it’s considered essential health care. We’ll verify your insurance coverage and provide detailed information about covered procedures during scheduling.
What if endoscopic removal doesn’t work?
While our success rate is 95%, some objects may require general surgery. The initial endoscopic evaluation provides valuable medical information that makes any subsequent surgery more targeted and efficient, protecting your patient’s overall health.
How does this compare to general surgery options?
Unlike general surgery, our minimally invasive procedure requires no incisions, results in less tissue trauma, shorter sedation time, better breathing management, and same-day discharge. Patients maintain better digestive health with faster recovery.
What ongoing care does my pet need after the procedure?
Post-procedure care focuses on digestive health monitoring, medication management if needed, and follow-up appointments to ensure complete recovery. Most patients return to normal eating and digestive function within 24-48 hours.
How do you manage sedation and breathing during the procedure?
Our health care team uses advanced sedation protocols with continuous breathing monitoring throughout the minimally invasive procedure. Dr. Mack’s internal medicine training ensures safe sedation management for patients of all sizes and medical histories.
Emergency Contact Information
Don’t wait—your patient’s digestive health and overall well-being may depend on quick action.
Phone: (843) 948-0999
Email: contact@coastalcreekah.com
Address: 1203 Old Trolley Road, Suite H, Summerville, SC 29485
Emergency Hours: Same-day appointments available for foreign body emergenciesTrust Summerville’s most advanced veterinary health care facility for expert endoscopic care when your patient needs it most. Our minimally invasive procedure approach means faster recovery, lower costs, less tissue trauma, and reduced stress for your beloved companion’s long-term health.