Outpatient gastrointestinal foreign body surgeries performed in a nonspecialized setting have good outcomes for dogs and cats.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the survival rate and prognostic indicators for outpatient gastrointestinal foreign body (GIFB) surgeries performed on dogs and cats in a nonspecialized setting focused on the spectrum of care.

Methods: Electronic medical records were searched for dogs and cats undergoing GIFB surgery from July 13, 2022, to August 28, 2023. Variables of interest were compared across 3 groups: patients euthanized intraoperatively and those that survived ≥ 2 weeks postoperatively (survivors) or died < 2 weeks postoperatively (nonsurvivors). For patients without a postoperative recheck, a phone survey was conducted.

Results: 102 dogs and 40 cats received GIFB surgery. The 2-week survival rate for dogs was 95% (80/84), not including 11 euthanized intraoperatively and 7 lost to follow-up. The 2-week survival rate for cats was 91% (29/32), not including 2 euthanized intraoperatively and 6 lost to follow-up. Higher preoperative albumin, creatinine, and BUN or intestinal perforations identified intraoperatively were associated with decreased survival in dogs. Perforations were associated with intraoperative euthanasia in cats, but other parameters did not differ significantly. Of 20 respondents surveyed regarding outpatient recovery, reported issues included anorexia (5/20) and diarrhea (2/20), none of which required additional care. Only 2/20 felt burdened by outpatient care, and all reported that they would have the outpatient procedure performed again if needed.

Conclusions: In a nonspecialized setting, the survival rate was high for outpatient GIFB surgeries and comparable to reported inpatient survival.

Clinical relevance: General practices should consider offering these outpatient surgeries as part of the spectrum of care.