An intestinal blockage in dogs is a serious health issue. They can occur when an object, such as a toy or clothing, becomes lodged in the intestine. In severe cases, intestinal blockages can also be caused by tumors or parasites. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lack of appetite. Treatment for an intestinal blockage typically involves surgery to remove the obstruction. Intestinal blockages are a serious health issue for dogs, and can often be fatal if left untreated. If you believe your dog may have an intestinal blockage, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
What is an intestinal blockage in dogs and why is it so serious?
Intestinal blockage in dogs or obstruction occurs when part or entire portions of the large or small intestines are blocked and unable to pass gas, liquids, digested food, and/or feces. Intestinal blockage in dogs is divided into two main categories; complete obstruction and partial obstruction. Complete obstructions are typically more serious than partial obstructions and the clinical symptoms are more severe.
Gas and fluid fill the intestinal segment before the blockage during an intestinal obstruction in dogs. Gas trapped in the intestine is a byproduct of fermentation and swallowed air. Gas and fluid accumulate in the intestine prior to the obstruction, causing it to become distended and compromised. Ultimately, the vascular circulation within intestinal walls is compromised, resulting in ischemia (lack of blood supply).
By disrupting the normal intestinal barrier, the lack of blood supply and distension of the intestine cause intestinal permeability to increase. Within the intestines, bacteria proliferate and can then spread to the rest of the body. Complete obstruction of the intestinal tract can lead to necrosis and perforation, hypovolemic shock, and septic shock.
A partial intestinal blockage in dogs is less serious than a complete intestinal blockage because air, gas, and fluids can move around or through the obstruction. Dogs with partial intestinal obstructions will have less severe symptoms but with time, partial obstructions can become complete and increase the severity of the symptoms your dog displays. Importantly, although partial blockages are less severe, both types of blockages and obstructions require immediate treatment.
What are the symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs?
The symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs can vary depending on the cause of the obstruction. The onset of clinical symptoms may be acute or chronic. With complete intestinal obstruction, common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia, and lethargy. Partial obstructions may cause less severe symptoms such as occasional or infrequent vomiting and diarrhea, progressive weight loss, and a decreased appetite.
In addition, since the intestine is not passing food and feces normally, your dog may become bloated and have a swollen abdomen. In summary, common clinical symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs include:
- Anorexia (lack of appetite)
- Vomiting (sometimes projectile)
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Abdominal pain
How is an intestinal blockage in dogs diagnosed?
The symptoms of an intestinal blockage are not specific and can also be caused by other medical conditions. For this reason, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and order some diagnostic tests to determine the presence of an intestinal blockage.
Tests that may be ordered include a blood panel, abdominal x-ray, and/or ultrasound. Intestinal blockages are typically diagnosed with either an abdominal x-ray or ultrasound. With an x-ray, your veterinarian may be able to see evidence of gas and fluid accumulation in the intestine. Intestinal blockages will often show up as an area of obstruction on the x-ray. A barium series test may be recommended to determine if and where the blockage is located in your dog's digestive system. After barium is administered by mouth, a series of X-rays are performed where the flow of barium can be visualized as it travels throughout the digestive system.
Intestinal ultrasound is a more sensitive test and can detect even small amounts of fluid accumulation in the intestine. Intestinal ultrasound may also be able to identify the presence of a foreign body or mass within the intestine.
How is an intestinal blockage in dogs treated?
The treatment for intestinal blockage in dogs will vary depending on the cause of the obstruction but surgery is required in most cases. If a foreign body (toy, clothing, etc.) is causing the blockage, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove the object.
For dogs that have a partial intestinal obstruction and whose symptoms are not severe or life-threatening, hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and supportive care may be implemented before surgery is considered. Intestinal surgery is a major procedure and is performed under general anesthesia. During surgery, your veterinarian will locate the blockage and remove it. In some cases, if the obstruction is due to a tumor or if the intestines are severely damaged, your veterinarian may also have to remove part of the intestine.
Postoperative care for dogs that have surgery for an intestinal blockage will include intensive care unit monitoring, antibiotics, and pain relief medications.
What is the prognosis of intestinal blockage in dogs?
The prognosis for dogs that have surgery for an intestinal blockage will depend on the cause of the obstruction and the extent of the damage to the intestines. With timely diagnosis and treatment, most dogs will make a full recovery. However, if an intestinal blockage is left untreated, it can be fatal. Intestinal blockages are a very serious health issue for dogs and should be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is exhibiting any of the clinical symptoms of an intestinal blockage, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Intestinal blockages are a serious health issue for dogs and can be fatal if left untreated. If you think your dog may have an intestinal blockage, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the obstruction. Intestinal blockages can occur when an object, such as a toy or clothing (sock, underwear, etc.), becomes lodged in the intestine. In severe cases, intestinal blockages can also be caused by tumors or parasites. Symptoms of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Intestinal blockages are diagnosed with either an abdominal x-ray or ultrasound. Surgery is often required to remove the intestinal blockage and obstruction, and most dogs make a full, complete recovery. If you have any questions about intestinal blockage in dogs, please contact your veterinarian.