Sand Impaction, not a playground matter

East End Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center is located in the town of Riverhead, the gateway to the beautiful long island Hamptons as well as gorgeous beaches up west, and just like us, our pets enjoy the summer and endless play-full days in the water and sand. While chasing a sandy ball is fun, both for dogs and owners, consuming sand, could be dangerous.

Magoo, a beautiful 11 years old French bulldog, was presented at our veterinary referral hospital vomiting and having bloody diarrhea. A thoroughly conducted owner-interview, patient’s physical examination and X rays revealed a sand impaction, obstructing his small intestines, leading to dehydration and electrolyte depletion. The cute frenchie was hospitalized for treatment and thankfully, intravenous supportive therapy, was effective. On day two the impaction started slowly breaking down and traveling down the intestinal tract.

While Magoo should fully recover, we are constantly reminded that sand impaction may be life threatening and will call for surgical intervention. Sadly, I cannot offer you a reasonable solution.  Advising you not to allow your dogs to chase balls at our beautiful Long Island beaches is an unreasonable advice. Please be aware of this issue, and if a fun day at the beach results with vomiting, diarrhea or any other abnormal behavior, come and see us.

At East End Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center, helping you and your pet is not only out mission statement, but our absolute pleasure.