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If you know or strongly suspect your pet ingested a foreign body that is causing illness, this is considered an \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent case \u2013 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!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Note that a foreign body ingestion with no signs of illness is considered a \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent case \u2013 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.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Batteries are found in so many items throughout our homes \u2013 from remotes and flashlights to kids\u2019 toys and sound books, games, calculators, and even in junk drawers \u2013 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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n There are two concerns when it comes to battery ingestion: <\/span><\/span>chemical and physical.<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Symptoms of battery ingestion vary. Common signs include<\/span>:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you <\/span>observed<\/span> or suspect your pet ate a battery, <\/span><\/span>immediate veterinary care is crucial<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, as your pet\u2019s condition can worsen quickly. The veterinary team<\/span>\u2019s diagnostic process typically involves x-rays to <\/span>locate<\/span> the battery and initial lab work to <\/span>assess<\/span> metabolic status.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Treatment for battery ingestion depends on the battery\u2019s type, size, and <\/span>how long it has been since the ingestion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most effective way to prevent your pet from accessing batteries is to keep batteries and battery-operated devices out of pets\u2019 reach and to dispose of used batteries securely.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your pet does ingest a battery, remember that prompt veterinary care can significantly improve your pet\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\nThe Danger<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nSymptoms<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What to Do if Your Pet Swallowed a Battery<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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