🧵 Vet Emergency Guide 2025: Linear Foreign Bodies in Dogs and Cats — Diagnosis, Dangers & Surgery

When pets swallow strings, ribbons, or fabric, the result can be far more dangerous than with other foreign objects. These linear foreign bodies can cause severe intestinal damage and require immediate veterinary attention. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 guide, we’ll explore why strings are especially dangerous, how to recognize the signs, and how surgical intervention can save your pet’s life. 🐾

1. What Are Linear Foreign Bodies?

Foreign bodies are any non-food items that get swallowed by pets. These include socks, toys, rocks, or plastic. But when the object is a string-like material, such as yarn, thread, leashes, or towel fibers, it’s called a linear foreign body. 🧶

While many foreign objects may pass harmlessly, linear ones cause a unique and dangerous condition called intestinal plication. 📉

2. The Drawstring Effect

Think of a drawstring in a hoodie. If one end is tied down and the string is pulled, the fabric bunches and folds tightly along the cord. In pets, the intestine tries to push the string along but ends up gathering around it, damaging itself. The motion causes the intestine to fold over and over—called plication—which can lead to:

• 💥 Perforation (string cuts through bowel walls)
• 🤢 Bacterial contamination of the abdomen (peritonitis)
• 🚨 High mortality if not treated early

3. How Do Pets Swallow Strings?

• 🐱 Cats playing with yarn or string (especially under the tongue!)
• 🐶 Dogs chewing towels, leashes, socks, or toys with loose fibers
• 🧸 Young pets and chewers are at highest risk

Most incidents begin with play, escalate to chewing, and end with swallowing. 🎯

4. Common Signs of a Foreign Body

• 🤮 Vomiting (often frequent)
• 🍽️ Poor appetite or refusal to eat
• 🥱 Lethargy
• 😿 Abdominal pain (restlessness, stretching, or crying)
• 🧻 Straining or constipation

Linear foreign bodies cause these signs to worsen quickly and can lead to emergency collapse. Time is of the essence. ⏱️

5. Special Risks in Cats

Cats are often affected by string trapped under the tongue. The string anchors to the tongue and extends into the intestines. As the bowel tries to move it along, it tears itself apart. This is one of the most dangerous scenarios and requires immediate surgery. 😿

6. Diagnosis of a Linear Foreign Body

6.1 Physical Exam

• 👅 Check under the tongue in cats (may need sedation)
• 🩺 Palpate abdomen for pain or swelling

6.2 Imaging

• 🩻 X-rays: May show plicated bowel or gas patterns, but strings rarely appear
• 🔬 Ultrasound: May detect bunching of intestines and abnormal movement

7. Surgery for Linear Foreign Bodies

When to Operate

Because linear foreign bodies can perforate the bowel quickly, surgery is often recommended early—even if diagnosis is uncertain. 🚨

The Surgical Process

• 🔍 Explore abdomen under anesthesia
• ✂️ Remove string or material from stomach and intestines
• 🔄 If bowel is torn or dead, remove the damaged segment

Recovery

• 🏥 2–5 days of hospitalization
• 💉 Pain relief, antibiotics, IV fluids
• 🧼 Monitor for infection or leakage at incision sites (especially days 2–3 post-op)

Success Rate

Linear foreign body surgeries carry higher mortality than other blockages due to the risk of perforation. But with fast care, recovery is possible. ❤️

8. Non-Surgical Options

In rare cases—such as string under the tongue without symptoms—cutting the string may allow it to pass naturally. This must only be done under veterinary supervision after thorough evaluation. ✅

9. Prevention Tips

• 🚫 Keep yarn, ribbon, shoelaces, thread, and string toys away from unsupervised pets
• 🧸 Choose safe chew toys without long fibers or ropes
• 👀 Supervise playtime, especially for young or curious pets
• 🗑️ Dispose of string-based materials securely

10. Ask A Vet: 24/7 Emergency Advice

Suspect your pet ate something dangerous? Don’t wait. Chat with a licensed vet immediately through Ask A Vet. We can guide emergency steps, discuss diagnostics, and help you know when it’s time for surgery. 🐾

11. Summary Table

12. Final Thoughts

String may look harmless—but for pets, it can be deadly. Linear foreign bodies cause rapid, severe damage, and early surgery is the best chance for survival. If you think your pet may have swallowed string, don’t delay. A quick decision could save a life. 💙

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Need help now? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app to speak with a vet immediately. ⏱️