Introducing a Smarter Approach to Foreign Body Removal at EPIC

At EPIC Veterinary Urgent Care in Cherry Hill, NJ, we’re introducing a smarter, more compassionate approach to one of the most common urgent veterinary emergencies: foreign body ingestion.

Our new model integrates advanced endoscopy directly into gastric foreign body removal service, allowing us to start with the least invasive option, when appropriate.  We will move to surgery only if necessary — all under a single, transparent price.

This approach is designed to reduce stress, eliminate uncertainty, and ensure pets receive the right level of care without delay or financial pressure.

A Better First Step: Endoscopy Before Surgery

When a dog or cat swallows something they shouldn’t, perhaps a sock, toy, or piece of string, surgery has traditionally been the default treatment.

But surgery isn’t always required if the foreign material remains in the stomach.

With advanced endoscopy, our veterinarians can often locate and remove gastric foreign bodies through the mouth, avoiding an abdominal incision altogether. When endoscopic removal is successful, pets typically go home the same day with no surgical recovery period.

Endoscopy allows us to:

• Attempt removal in the least invasive way possible

• Reduce pain, recovery time, and complications

• Make real-time decisions based on what we see, not assumptions

One Service. One Price. No Escalation Penalties.

At EPIC, foreign body removal is a single, bundled service.

That means:

• We start with endoscopic removal whenever appropriate

• If endoscopy is unsuccessful or unsafe, we transition directly to surgery

• The price does not increase if surgery is required

Why We Built It This Way

This approach reflects how we think about urgent care:

• Start with the least invasive option

• Avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible

• Eliminate financial surprises

• Support faster, safer decision-making for doctors and families alike

It also allows our doctors to work more efficiently and effectively, using advanced tools and streamlined workflows to deliver high-quality care without hesitation or compromise.

Transparent Pricing, Compassionate Care

Every foreign body removal case at EPIC includes:

• A clear, upfront estimate before treatment begins

• Open communication throughout the visit

• The option for clients to remain with their pet during care if they choose

• No hidden fees and less mid-procedure financial decisions

This is transparency by design, not as an afterthought.

Learn more about our pricing philosophy here:
https://www.epic.vet/pricing

When to Consider Foreign Body Removal

If your dog ate a toy or your cat swallowed string, prompt evaluation is critical. Endoscopy may allow us to resolve the issue without surgery, and if surgery is needed, our Cherry Hill location is fully equipped to proceed immediately and safely.

More information on surgical care:
https://www.epic.vet/services/surgery

For Referring Veterinarians

EPIC Veterinary Urgent Care exists to support local practices, not replace them.

We provide:

• Same-day access to advanced endoscopy and surgery

• Clean medical hand-offs with complete records

• Clear communication from intake through discharge

All wellness and primary care is referred back to the originating veterinarian, preserving the trust you’ve built with your clients.

Referral information:
https://www.epic.vet/referrals

Raising the Standard for Urgent Care

By combining advanced technology with a patient-first pricing model, we’re changing how foreign body cases are handled, making care safer, clearer, and less stressful for everyone involved.

That’s not just innovation.
That’s better medicine.

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