If you know or strongly suspect your pet ingested a foreign body that is causing illness, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet see your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within the next 12 hours. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!
Note that a foreign body ingestion with no signs of illness is considered a “YELLOW” – or semi-urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet begins to show signs of illness, call the team back to inform them of the status change.
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- If you know a foreign body was ingested, but you are not sure which pet ate it, seek veterinary care for both pets.
- If you know or strongly suspect your pet ate a foreign body, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact a veterinary care team right away to see how soon you can bring your pet in.
Batteries are found in so many items throughout our homes – from remotes and flashlights to kids’ toys and sound books, games, calculators, and even in junk drawers – which means our pets have easy access. While dogs are the most frequent culprits, battery ingestion also occurs in other pets such as ferrets, tortoises, parrots, and cats. Due to their small size and intriguing shapes, batteries can quickly turn a curious exploration into a significant health risk with potentially severe consequences. In this blog, we’ll discuss why battery ingestion is so dangerous to pets, the warning signs, and what to do if you suspect your pet has swallowed a battery.
The Danger
There are two concerns when it comes to battery ingestion: chemical and physical.
- Chemical
- Both traditional alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, D and so forth) and “button” or “disc” batteries contain corrosive substances such as lithium, mercury, and alkaline compounds. These chemicals can cause extensive damage to a pet’s esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
- If the pet swallows a punctured battery and then vomits, there is a risk of inhaling the battery’s contents into the lungs which could lead to a potentially devastating aspiration event.
- A chemical burn can be caused by the corrosion or leakage of a battery’s contents or lining. The corrosive elements inside batteries can quickly burn and erode the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe ulcers, perforations, and internal bleeding.
- Physical
- The battery itself may cause an obstruction in the small intestine, leading to blockages that may require surgical intervention.
Symptoms
Symptoms of battery ingestion vary. Common signs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Shock (Weakness, collapse, rapid breathing) in severe cases
What to Do if Your Pet Swallowed a Battery
If you observed or suspect your pet ate a battery, immediate veterinary care is crucial, as your pet’s condition can worsen quickly. The veterinary team’s diagnostic process typically involves x-rays to locate the battery and initial lab work to assess metabolic status.
Treatment for battery ingestion depends on the battery’s type, size, and how long it has been since the ingestion.
- If the battery is identified early, endoscopic retrieval may be possible – this is where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the stomach to remove the battery. This method is less invasive and often preferred if the battery is still in the esophagus or stomach.
- In more severe cases where endoscopy is not feasible or the battery has caused significant damage, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery involves opening the abdomen to remove the battery and repair any damage to the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery, dogs may require supportive care that includes pain management, intravenous fluids, and medications to aid their recovery while in the hospital.
The most effective way to prevent your pet from accessing batteries is to keep batteries and battery-operated devices out of pets’ reach and to dispose of used batteries securely.
If your pet does ingest a battery, remember that prompt veterinary care can significantly improve your pet’s chances of recovery and help avoid serious complications. Our Oakdale ER and St. Paul are both open 24/7 to assist your pets. Please call ahead of your arrival.
More Reading:
- How to Tell if Your Pet Has Ingested a Foreign Body
- 6 Common Household Items that are Hazardous to Pets
- 10 Common Winter Pet Hazards
- The Benefits of Toxicology Hotlines for Pets
