Gastrointestinal Complications Following Ingestion of Potting Soil in a Dog

초록

A 9-year-old castrated male Old English Sheepdog was referred for evaluation because of persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia following suspected ingestion of potting soil consisting of cocopeat, peat moss, perlite, zeolite, and fertilizers. Despite 3 days of symptomatic treatment at a local animal hospital, clinical signs persisted. On admission, the dog had a fever (39.7 degrees C) and abdominal pain. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP, 210.41 mg/dL; reference interval [RI], 0-10 mg/dL) and D-dimer (371.69 ng/mL; RI, 0-250 ng/mL) levels. Abdominal radiographs showed gastric and focal duodenal dilation, while ultrasonography identified gastrointestinal dilation with fluid accumulation, hypomotility, and peritoneal edema. These findings are consistent with enteritis and peritonitis, which are likely secondary to potting soil ingestion. The dog was hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antiemetics, gastrointestinal protectants, prokinetics, and peripheral parenteral nutrition. Significant clinical improvement was observed within 48 h, with CRP levels decreasing to 87.49 mg/dL and D-dimer to 170.48 ng/mL. This case highlights gastrointestinal complications associated with potting soil ingestion and emphasizes the importance of prevention.

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