Lost and Hound

By Kay Hisano | Dated February 3, 2025

A one-and-a-half-year-old Basset Hound, Stanton, recently presented to our clinic after ingesting an AirTag! The owner first became aware of the ingestion when they received a notification on their phone indicating that the AirTag was “walking” with them while on a walk with their dog. Concerned, they immediately sought veterinary care.

Stanton was initially taken to an emergency clinic, where radiographs confirmed the presence of the AirTag in his stomach. An attempt was made to retrieve the foreign body via endoscopy, but unfortunately, the device could not be grasped effectively.

The owner opted to wait and monitor the situation, hoping the AirTag would pass through the digestive tract naturally. The next day Stanton came to the clinic to see us for a repeat radiograph. Unfortunately, the radiographs revealed that the AirTag was still sitting in her stomach.

Radiograph of AirTag in Stomach

Due to the risk associated with prolonged gastric retention of a battery-containing device, we proceeded with a gastrotomy to remove it surgically. Batteries can erode the gastric lining, leading to ulcer formation and potential perforation.

A routine gastrotomy was performed, and the AirTag was successfully removed without complications. Stanton recovered well from surgery, was discharged with supportive care, and has since resumed normal activities.

Here is a picture of happy Stanton at his 5 day post-operative check up!