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Endoscopic foreign body retrieval study shows promising results
Endoscopic foreign body retrieval in cats is associated with good overall outcomes.

Research demonstrates a high success rate with few complications

Endoscopic foreign body retrieval in cats is associated with good overall outcomes and low complication rates, according to new research.


A study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP) scanned medical records from a single private referral practice for instances of foreign body endoscopy. A total of 52 cats with gastric and oesophageal foreign bodies were included in the analysis.

The research was carried out by researchers at the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Ohio. Lead author, Vanessa Dollo said: “The study supports the use of endoscopy for the retrieval of foreign bodies from the oesophagus and stomach of cats, demonstrating a high success rate (94.2 per cent). 


“Whilst overall complication rate was low (15.4 per cent), major complications including oesophageal stricture formation and cardiopulmonary arrest may occur. Cats with oesophageal foreign bodies were more likely to experience major complications than those with gastric foreign bodies.”


Despite its success, the researchers stress that there are limitations to the study. For example, the cats were treated at one referral practice, and the results may not be representative of other practices.


Furthermore, six clinicians performed the endoscopy and so there may have been some descriptive bias introduced. The team addressed this issue by retrospectively grading the images obtained during the procedure to assess the severity of oesophagitis and gastritis. 


Nicholas Jeffery, editor of the JSAP added: “Endoscopy is often the preferred treatment method in retrieval of OFBs and GFBs as it avoids the need for surgical intervention and associated operative pain. It is encouraging, therefore, that the results of this study appear to show a good overall outcome for affected cats.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.