Linear Foreign Body

Linear foreign body is the term we use to refer to any string-like material that is ingested and ends up wrapped or anchored around an attachment point--most commonly the base of the tongue or the pylorus (where the stomach empties into the intestines). 

This cat was diagnosed with a linear foreign body on radiographs (AKA X-Rays). The
gold string is anchored around the tongue. In this picture, the cat has been anesthetized to
perform abdominal surgery to remove the string. Many times this is a difficult region to
examine in an awake cat.

After the string has been anchored, it can move through the digestive tract and into the intestines. This can become problematic as the intestines will start to bunch along the string, developing a "plicated," or scrunchy-like, appearance. The string can lead to obstruction and even begin to cut through the layers of intestine. This has the potential to perforate the gastro-intestinal tract. A septic peritonitis is a life threatening emergency. For this reason, a linear foreign body is a surgical emergency.

Here are the intestines of the cat with the gold string
anchored around the base of the tongue [from above].
Because the string is caught around the base of the tongue,
the intestines begin to "plicate" or pleat as they attempt
to move the string along their length. 

For comparison, this is the appearance of normal intestine as seen at surgery.

What Should You Look For if You Suspect Your Cat Ingested String?
 Signs of a linear foreign body may include vomiting and/or diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, hiding, and abdominal discomfort. If you suspect that your cat may have eaten any string-like material or is showing these signs, you should promptly seek veterinary care. Do NOT attempt to pull or cut the string if you see it sticking out of your cat's mouth or rear end. Instead, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. For times when your veterinarian is not available--such as nights, weekends, and holidays--we recommend you seek care from an animal emergency hospital.*

What to Expect When You go to Your Veterinarian?
To make the diagnosis of linear foreign body, your veterinarian will start with abdominal radiographs [X-Rays]. This is sometimes a difficult diagnosis to confirm, so they may recommend submitting them to a boarded veterinary radiologist for consult.** In some cases, even a radiologist may need additional information to make the diagnosis. In those situations, they will recommend an additional diagnostic to confirm the diagnosis--an abdominal  ultrasound exam. 

This is an abdominal radiograph [AKA X-Ray] of the cat with the linear
foreign body. The small intestines (seen in the lower mid abdomen)
are bunched together and takeon a scrunched appearance.

For comparison, this is a normal feline abdominal radiograph.
Notice the difference in the distribution of the small intestinal segments
in this healthy cat.

What Can You do to Avoid a Linear Foreign Body for Your Cat?
Keep in mind that you can prevent linear foreign bodies in your pets by ensuring that they do not have access to strings. If you want your cat to play with cat toys, make sure they are under direct supervision and you pick toys that are safe from lose strings or small objects.

Prepared by:
Jennfier L. Bouma, VMD, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology
& Cecilia Murch, DVM, Master of Public Health

Take a look at this helpful guide from the ASPCA about safety during kitty play time!

*For Emergencies in the Greater Rochester, NY Area, contact Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services for more information.

**To learn more about board-certified radiologists, visit the American College of Veterinary Radiology website.