What is the common name for a gastric trichobezoar?

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The term "gastric trichobezoar" refers specifically to a type of indigestible mass that forms in the stomach, predominantly made up of hair. The common name for this condition is "hairball." Animals, particularly cats, commonly ingest hair during grooming, and if this hair accumulates in the stomach without passing through the digestive system, it can form a hairball. Understanding this term is important for recognizing health issues related to grooming habits and gastrointestinal health in animals, especially in species prone to developing these types of obstructions.

The other options represent different concepts. For instance, a "fiber ball" might refer to plant material that could also cause blockages, while "wool block" is more specific to sheep and related to wool ingestion. "Gastric impaction" is a broader term encompassing various causes of blockage in the stomach, which can include but is not limited to trichobezoars. Knowing these distinctions can help in identifying the specific issue affecting an animal's health.

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