Clinical Features, Medical Management, and Patient Outcomes Following Sand Ingestion in 55 Dogs (2018-2024)

To evaluate the management and outcome in dogs after sand ingestion.

Retrospective study performed between January 2018 and December 2024, including 55 dogs with radiographically confirmed sand ingestion.

Nineteen dogs (35%) had radiographs consistent with a gastrointestinal obstruction. All dogs were medically managed, and no dog underwent surgical intervention. Twenty-six dogs (47%) were hospitalized, while 29 (53%) received outpatient therapy. Hospitalization was recommended but was declined by the owner in 19 dogs (66%) managed as outpatients. Hospitalization was not recommended in 10 dogs due to the identification of sand only in the distal small intestines or colon. Dogs that were managed as outpatients were significantly younger and had lower total plasma protein concentration than dogs that were managed as inpatients. In addition, dogs managed as outpatients had lower blood lactate concentrations than inpatients. All hospitalized dogs (100%) had resolution of clinical signs, and 29 of the 30 dogs that received outpatient care (97%) had complete resolution of clinical signs. One dog (3%) was lost to follow-up.

The prognosis associated with medical management for sand ingestion in dogs is excellent, and dogs managed as inpatients or outpatients had resolution of clinical signs.