Veterinarian Fayetteville, NC
Highland Animal Hospital
Dog & Cat Foreign Body Removal Surgery in Fayetteville, NC
Experienced Surgeons • Fast Access to Care • Thousands Less Than Specialty Hospitals
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Vomiting, abdominal pain, or suspected obstruction? We perform safe, efficient foreign body surgeries at a significantly lower cost than referral centers.
Why Choose Us for Foreign Body Surgery?
Experienced Soft-Tissue Surgeons
We perform foreign body removals regularly, including:
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Stomach (gastrotomy)
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Intestinal obstruction (enterotomy / resection & anastomosis)
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Linear foreign bodies
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Toy, bone, fabric, sock, or string ingestion
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Blockages causing vomiting and dehydration
More Affordable Than Specialty Hospitals
Emergency hospitals often charge $4,000–$8,000+ for obstruction surgery.
Our procedures are often $1,500-$2,500, depending on:
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Location of obstruction
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Stability of the patient
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Pre-op diagnostics required
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Whether resection & anastomosis is needed
Fast Appointments — Same-Day Options
Most pets with suspected foreign body obstruction need prompt evaluation, and we make surgical cases a priority.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Foreign Body
Contact us right away if your dog or cat is showing:
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Known or suspected ingestion of toys, bones, fabric, string, etc.
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Frequent vomiting or retching but still active and eating
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Repeatedly vomiting immediately after eating or drinking
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After multiple days; not eating or drinking
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Hunched posture or abdominal pain
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Pawing at the mouth (string FB in cats)
Foreign body obstructions do not resolve without treatment and quickly become life-threatening.
How We Diagnose a Foreign Body
At your visit, the veterinarian may recommend:
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Physical exam
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Abdominal X-rays (radiographs)
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Contrast studies (as needed)
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Bloodwork to assess hydration and organ function
Most foreign bodies can be diagnosed with radiographs and history alone.
What Happens During Foreign Body Removal Surgery
Step 1 — Stabilization
Your pet receives IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, and pain control.
Step 2 — Surgery
Depending on the location:
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Gastrotomy → remove object from the stomach
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Enterotomy → small incision into intestine
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Resection & Anastomosis → remove damaged intestine and reconnect healthy segments
Step 3 — In-Hospital Recovery
Your pet receives close monitoring, pain medication, and supportive care.
Step 4 — Post-Op Care at Home
Most pets go home within 24-72 hours with:
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Medications
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Feeding instructions
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Activity restrictions
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Signs to monitor
Why Our Pricing Is More Affordable
Affordability is critical for your pet's medical care
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Our priority is for your pets to get the care they need
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We have lower overhead cost
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We have efficient surgical scheduling
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We offer transparent and fair pricing
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We are a well-established business
We deliver experienced soft-tissue surgical care at more affordable, family-friendly costs.
Recovery Expectations
Most pets recover well after foreign body removal.
Typical recovery timeline:
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First 24 hours: Improved comfort and appetite
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Days 2–5: Eating smaller, frequent meals
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Days 6-9: Eating normally
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Days 10–14: Suture removal and recheck
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2–3 weeks: Return to normal activity
If resection & anastomosis was performed, your veterinarian will provide additional instructions.
Common Items Pets Swallow (Real Cases We’ve Treated)
Dogs and cats can swallow almost anything — and we have surgically removed many surprising objects over the years.
Here are some of the most common items we’ve taken out of pets. The most common repeat offenders are in bold.
Fabric Items
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Hair ties
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Socks
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Underwear
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Towels
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Bedding
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Stuffed animal pieces
Plastic & Household Items
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Plastic toys
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Pieces of hard plastic
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Rubber or foam pieces
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Squeaker from chew toys
Children’s Items
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Small toys
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Action figure pieces
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Nerf darts
Sewing & Craft Items
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Sewing needles
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String
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Fishing line
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Ribbon
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Yarn
Food & Kitchen Items
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Corn cobs
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Fruit pits
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Large nuts like walnuts
Miscellaneous Objects
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Feminine hygiene products
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Gorilla Glue
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Rocks
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Gloves
Frequently Asked Questions
Lots of things cause dogs and cats to vomit; how do I know if vomiting is an emergency?
The most common thing that gets our attention is a dog or cat that vomits at least three times a day.
Can a foreign body pass on its own?
Rarely. Most objects large enough to cause vomiting will not pass and require surgery.
Does my pet need X-rays?
Yes. Imaging is essential to confirm obstruction and rule out other causes.
Is this an emergency?
It can be. Delays increase the risk of intestinal damage.
How soon can surgery be scheduled?
Often the same day for urgent cases.
Do you accept payment plans?
We accept CareCredit.
If your pet may have swallowed something, don’t wait.
Prompt treatment saves lives.
Book an Urgent Surgical Consult