Small stick or long thorn under skin

[work765]

There’s a small stick or thorn under my dogs skin near her sternum. Right under the surface. The vet recommends surgery to remove it. And he’s giving her pain meds and antibiotics for now.

Is it possible to just push it out? It’s about 2” long.


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[Sharon]

I have no idea if you could push it out , but personally I trust my vet's opinion.

[art hubbard]

I have no idea if you could push it out , but personally I trust my vet's opinion.

I'm with Sharon...Art

[work765]

The veterinarian recommended surgery, but didn’t even say it was critical. He said you can do it now, or you can wait to do it. That was his recommendation. It was a weird experience honestly. I asked him if I could push it out my self and he said, He couldn’t say to, because of his position, but that I could try to do it. He then prescribed anti inflammatories, antibiotics and pain medicine. And showed me the $1300 estimate to remove the stick.

I wasn’t clear If the stick would eventually make its way out of her body naturally. She’s been acting completely normal. It might have been in her up to a week the doctor said.

I’m taking her to another more affordable vet tomorrow am. See if I can have it done for less than $1300




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[Cicada]

$1300!!! for sure shop around. I had 2 similar situation one a thorn that poked it way back out I just pulled it out myself. The other was a wire wound the we cleaned up and stitched up at the cabin, a year later a small piece of canola leaf came to the surface and worked itself free.

No sure where I read it but I like it "what would a coyote do"

Grant

[shags]

Another alternative is to have your vet go over the estimate and see if anything on there is 'optional'. Perhaps the estimate is for optimal protocol on his end, but he moght be willing to chuck things like pre-op bloodwork, cardiac monitors, etc.

I had two dogs who both needed molar extractions, and the estimates were about $1500 each, but the vet was willing to drop a bunch of stuff, so that the total for both was the original total for one.

I wouldn't let a foreign body go on its own when it's near the abdomen or chest. I'd be wary of it migrating in, instead of out.

Good luck with whichever way you go.

[dog dr]

The veterinarian recommended surgery, but didn’t even say it was critical. He said you can do it now, or you can wait to do it. That was his recommendation. It was a weird experience honestly. I asked him if I could push it out my self and he said, He couldn’t say to, because of his position, but that I could try to do it. He then prescribed anti inflammatories, antibiotics and pain medicine. And showed me the $1300 estimate to remove the stick.

I wasn’t clear If the stick would eventually make its way out of her body naturally. She’s been acting completely normal. It might have been in her up to a week the doctor said.

I’m taking her to another more affordable vet tomorrow am. See if I can have it done for less than $1300




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Where do you live?! $1300 is ridiculous! Even if I had to sedate the dog, something like that shouldnt cost more than $150, antibiotics included. And yes, you very well may be able to push it out just like a big splinter.

[work765]

I live in Los Angeles/Santa Monica. Everything is absurdly over priced!! Ended paying $800. $400 for surgery and about $400 for anesthesia.
She has some stitches and has to wear the cone for a bit.



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[work765]

Oh and I went to the cheap vet in town too!


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[Nmhuntr]

Good call
Glad she is fine. I had to have mine sedated for a cactus thorn. It was about $400.00 here in New Mexico but worth every penny to ensure she was fine and calm the wife down.

[bobman]

You did the right thing even if the price was outrageous

That would of been $2-300.00 surgery at worst here in Georgia. That said I would of spent the higher price if that was my only option.

[Dakotazeb]

My dog ran this up one of her nostrils. My vet had to sedate her to find and remove it. Cost was $158.

Oops. Pic didn't post. Anyway, it was a 4" long stick.