[cheribrown1]

Hi,
My 9 year old 1/2 lab, 1/2 golden retriever ate a chicken wing and gobbled it down when I tried to get her to drop it. I fed her bread and rice along with some oil on her food. That was on Saturday evening, 2/16/08 and it is now Sunday night 2/19/08. She seems fine, she has had 2 bowel movements but I don't see any chicken bones. She hasn't gotten sick either. Should I be concerned and how long should I continue to watch her for signs of potential problems? How long does it take bones to pass through a dogs digestive system? Thank you very much.
Cheri

[Gernald]

The bones could have been broken down by her digestive system, and passed without you noticing.
Has she been eating okay? Good appetite?
Having bowel movements as often as usual?
I'm not sure, but my dad always said that he'd never give the dogs a chinken bone because they splinter easily and the dog could choke, I'm not sure about the affects of the dog actually passing the bones. I mean some humans eat chicken bones (weird I know) and they don't to my knowledge have any problems with them at the other end, except for maybe constipation.
Maybe watch for another day and look out for any unusual behavior. If your dog gets sick or looses its appetite, or won't go to the bathroom, call the vet and make an appointment.
Hope she's all right!

[starbuck8]

I really wouldn't worry too much about your dog getting into a few of the chicken bones unless she seems sick in any way. The reason most vets tell you not to feed dogs chicken bones, soft porkchop bones etc. is because they can get into the intestinal system and the splinters can cause bleeding. This is why they recommend that you don't feed them those type of bones, but if you see any blood in her stools, then a vet visit might be a good idea.

On that note, I've had a lot of farm dogs who used to get into the chicken coups and kill the chickens and gobble them down, or the dogs would sneakily make their way into the garbage and steal leftover bones if given the chance. We never had any problems with any of the dogs. Not the ideal situation for sure, but I wouldn't worry about a few bones.

She should be just fine, but call your vet if you're worried... I get that way with my pups too! :)

[carolbcac]

Cooked bones are more apt to splinter than raw ones, and they can be dangerous. However this was one wing in a large dog, and you fed soft bland food to protect her stomach. I would probably continue the poop watch a few more days, but she most likely will be all right. Call your vet to double check.
(I sympathize, my Lab-mix puppy swallowed a screw last week, I have yet to see it, but she seems fine. I don't know how she finds this stuff. Judging from the things I pull out of her mouth, she probably should be x-rayed on a daily basis.)