Mary Allen
Introduction: What is a bezoar?
A bezoar is a mass of undigested or partially digested foreign material that can accumulate in the digestive tract of animals, including dogs. This condition is relatively rare in dogs, but when it occurs, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Bezoars can form in different parts of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and esophagus.
Definition of a bezoar in dogs
In dogs, a bezoar is a mass of indigestible material that can form in the stomach or intestines. The material can be anything from hair, grass, cloth, plastic, bones, sand, or any other foreign object that the dog ingests. Bezoars can be single or multiple and can vary in size from small to large. They can cause a blockage or obstruction in the digestive tract, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.
Types of bezoars in dogs
There are different types of bezoars that can form in dogs, depending on the material that accumulates in the digestive tract. Some common types of bezoars include hairballs, plant material, fabric, plastic, bones, and sand. Hairballs are the most common type of bezoar in cats, but they can also occur in dogs that excessively groom themselves or ingest hair from their surroundings. Plant material bezoars can result from dogs that eat grass or other plant material, while fabric and plastic bezoars can occur from dogs that chew or ingest cloth or plastic objects. Bone and sand bezoars can form from dogs that eat bones or sand, respectively.
References:
- "Bezoars in Dogs." VCA Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bezoars-in-dogs.
- "Bezoars in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment." Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/noninfectious-diseases-of-the-digestive-system-in-small-animals/bezoars-in-dogs.
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