Dog Swallowed a Sock? Foreign Body Surgery Cost 2026
The 'Labrador Tax' explained. Why foreign body removal surgery costs $5,000 and the critical timeline for obstruction surgery.
Dr. Sarah Chen
Veterinary Advisor
It is the classic veterinary chaotic moment: “My dog ate my sock.”
While it sounds like a cartoon trope, Foreign Body Obstruction is one of the most common and expensive emergency surgeries in veterinary medicine.
🚑 Case Summary: The “Linear” Threat
Swallowing a rock is bad. Swallowing a sock or string is worse.
Fabric acts as a “linear foreign body.” As the intestine tries to move it along, the fabric gets stuck, and the intestine bunches up like an accordion (plication). This acts like a saw, slicing through the intestinal wall.
- Symptoms: Vomiting (profuse), inability to keep water down, painful abdomen.
- Danger Level: 🔴 Critical (Septic Peritonitis risk).
👩⚕️ Expert Analysis
“If you see your dog swallow a sock, come in immediately. If we catch it within 1-2 hours, we can sometimes induce vomiting or grab it with an endoscope. Once it enters the intestine, you are looking at major surgery.”
— Dr. Sarah Chen, DVM
📊 The $5,000 “Sock Tax”
The method of removal dictates the price. Time is money.
| Procedure | Cost Estimate | Invasiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Induce Emesis | $150 - $300 | Non-invasive (Vomit shot). Only works <2 hours. |
| Endoscopy | $1,800 - $2,800 | Minimally invasive camera down esophagus. |
| Gastrotomy | $3,000 - $4,500 | Surgery cutting into stomach. |
| Enterotomy | $4,000 - $5,500 | Surgery cutting into intestine. |
| Resection & Anastomosis | $6,000 - $8,000 | Removing dead intestine sections + ICU. |
🛡️ Insurance Strategy
This is an Accident claim.
- Waiting Periods: Usually only 48 hours for accidents.
- Repeat Offenders: Be careful. If your dog does this twice, some insurers might label it a “pre-existing behavioral condition” and deny future claims.
- Prevention: Crate training and “puppy-proofing” are cheaper than surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does foreign body removal cost?
Endoscopy (scope down the throat) costs $1,500-$2,500. Full abdominal surgery (exploratory laparotomy) costs $3,500-$6,000 depending on if the intestine needs to be cut (resection).
Will a sock pass on its own?
It is risky. While some small items pass, a sock often bunches up in the intestines (plication), cutting off blood flow and causing tissue death within hours. See a vet immediately.
Does insurance cover swallowing objects?
Yes, 'Foreign Body Ingestion' is a standard Accident coverage. However, if your dog is a repeat offender, some insurers may exclude it as a pre-existing behavioral issue.