What Every Pet Parent Should Know About Dog Intestinal Blockages

Does your dog swallow things they shouldn't? If so, intestinal blockages are a serious threat to your pup's health and longevity! Today, our Huntersville vets explain the signs and what you should do if you think your dog has an intestinal blockage.

Bowel Obstructions & Intestinal Blockages in Dogs

Bowel and intestinal obstructions (or blockages) are a common cause for concern in all dogs, but particularly in dogs who have a history of eating things they shouldn't such as bedding, the stuffing out of toys or pieces of rugs and furniture. These conditions are characterized by a partial or complete blockage of the dog's intestinal tract. Blockages cause a number of complications, including preventing food and water from passing through his GI tract and decreasing blood flow.

Dog intestinal blockages can be fatal in as little time as 3-7 days after the blockage occurs.

Blockages can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Some may be able to pass into the esophagus, but not into the stomach. Others may pass into the stomach but not into the intestines or become lodged in the intricate twists and turns of a dog’s intestines. 

The most frequent kinds of bowel obstructions are foreign bodies. Every pup runs the risk of swallowing surprising items: toys, trash, socks, underwear, dish towels… the list goes on! String, yarn, and rope fibers are especially hazardous for dogs because they can cause intestinal twisting. With older dogs, other common bowel obstructions to look out for are masses or tumors. 

Signs That Your Dog May Have an Intestinal Blockage

The symptoms of intestinal blockages in dogs are similar to symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness and include: 

If you think (or know) that your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have - or if they are exhibiting the symptoms listed above - call your vet right away, or visit the nearest after-hours animal emergency hospital.

Diagnosing Intestinal Blockages in Dogs

If you saw your dog eat a foreign object, you might be wondering how you can help your dog pass the obstruction, but you should not attempt this on your own, your dog needs veterinary care.

Your vet will first perform a physical exam on your dog, paying special attention to the abdomen. They may also perform blood work to determine if the blockage is affecting your dog’s overall health.

From there, your dog will be taken to the in-house diagnostic lab for X-rays and any other imaging technique required to try to see the foreign object. One such test is an endoscopy, a procedure that inserts a small tube with a tiny attached camera through your dog’s throat and into the stomach. Your dog would be sedated for this procedure.

Treatment for Dogs With Intestinal Blockages

Treatment for intestinal obstructions can be surgical or non-surgical. Many factors go into this decision including the location, how long the object has been stuck, and the size, shape, and structure of the object.

In some cases, a vet can retrieve the foreign object with an endoscope. If this is not possible, your vet likely will consult the ultrasound or X-rays to determine where (and what) the obstruction is.

Some foreign objects, given time, can pass on their own. However, when it comes to a dog's intestinal blockage timeline it's important to note that swift action is necessary in order to prevent this issue from becoming increasing severe. If the object does not pass on its own and your dog has the symptoms listed above, your dog will need to be treated as soon as possible.

If your vet determines that the foreign object presents an immediate danger, emergency surgery is ordered.

Surgery for The Treatment of Intestinal Blockages in Dogs

Dog intestinal blockage surgery is a major procedure, requiring your dog to be anesthetized. After the surgery, your dog will stay at the hospital and recover for several days.

For the intestinal surgery, your vet will make an incision into your dog’s abdomen near the blockage site and carefully extract the object. The length of surgery can vary because they may need to repair any damage to the stomach or intestinal wall resulting from the obstruction. 

Your dog’s survival after surgery to remove an intestinal blockage depends on a few things:

• Size, shape, and location of the foreign object
• How long the foreign object has been stuck in the intestines
• Your dog’s health before the surgery

The physical exam and diagnostic tests that your vet performs before surgery will help them determine how well they think your dog will do after veterinary surgery. Of course, the sooner the surgery is performed, the better.

Your Dog's Recovery from Intestinal Blockage Surgery

The most critical period for your dog is the first 72 hours after surgery. If the patient is doing well after 72 hours then they typically recover well, but there are still some potential complications:

• Sepsis (blood poisoning)
• Hypoalbuminemia (low protein count)
• Dehiscence (Wound separation or opening) 

After surgery and hospitalization, monitor your dog and keep their activity level very low. Stick to short walks for at least a week — you don’t want their sutures to tear. Your dog will also need to wear a cone to keep them from chewing on the healing incision.

It’s important to feed your dog small amounts of bland food before gradually transitioning to his previous diet during this time. Also, make sure they are getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Major surgery is painful. Your dog won’t be in pain during the surgery, of course, but will probably feel some pain afterward. Your vet will prescribe post-surgery pain medication for your dog. Follow the prescription instructions carefully to keep your dog’s pain under control at home and fight off infections.

Anesthesia can make some dogs feel nauseated after surgery and it’s actually common for dogs to vomit afterward. So, your vet may also prescribe medications to relieve your dog’s nausea and vomiting, if needed.

Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery Cost

The cost of intestinal blockage surgery for dogs can vary dramatically depending on how extensive the surgery is, how long the obstruction has been present, and the length of the hospital stay, as well as your dog's size, age, overall health and where you live.

The only way to get an accurate estimate of your dog's intestinal blockage surgery cost is to ask your veterinary clinic for an estimate. Most animal hospitals are happy to provide clients with a detailed breakdown of costs involved in any procedure. Your veterinary team will also take the time to answer your questions and explain any items on the estimate to you.

Preventing Intestinal Blockages in Dogs

The best way to prevent intestinal blockages in your dog is to limit their chances of ingesting non-food material. 

• Putting things your dog may eat out of his reach.
• Be vigilant about items in the house and track when they are missing. 
• Keep an eye on your dog while he is playing with his toys or chewing on rawhide or bones. 
• Keep your dogs from scavenging through garbage and debris (outside and inside the house).

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.