Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery

Unfortunately, dogs are known for chewing on and eating things that they really shouldn't be. This can lead to blockages that are potentially life-threatening. Our Egg Harbor Township vets share the symptoms and causes of intestinal blockages in dogs and how surgery may be able to help save your dog's life.

What are the common causes of intestinal blockages?

When your dog's stomach or intestines have been partially or completely blocked, it creates a serious concern that is also known as a bowel obstruction. Blockages cause a number of complications, including preventing food and water from passing through his GI tract and decreasing their blood flow. If your dog is experiencing a bowel obstruction it could become fatal in as few as 3 to 7 days.

These intestinal blockages are able to develop at any point in 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 obstructions that our Egg Harbor Township veterinary team sees most often involve the ingestion of a non-food object. Every pup runs the risk of swallowing surprising items: toys, trash, socks, underwear, dish towels and so many more.

String, yarn, and rope fibers are especially hazardous for dogs because they can cause intestinal twisting. However, if you have an older dog then these blockages may be caused by medical concerns such as tumors.

Are intestinal blockages in dogs life-threatening?

You may be wondering if an intestinal blockage can result in death.  The answer is unfortunately yes. If an intestinal blockage is left untreated the blockage could press against the intestinal wall leading to damage to the intestines and possibly causing the tissue to die or result in a bowel rupture or perforation. When left untreated these blockages become fatal in a matter of days.

There is a chance that a foreign object can pass through your dog's body on its own. However, when it comes to a timeline for intestinal blockage in dogs, time is of the absolute essence. 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.

If you note any of the following symptoms in your pup then it is highly recommended to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of an intestinal blockage?

How do you know if your dog has an intestinal blockage? Symptoms of intestinal blockages can be easy to brush off as merely an upset stomach unless you happened to witness your dog swallowing a foreign object. However, we recommend contacting your vet right away if your dog shows any of the following symptoms.

If you think your dog ingested something suspicious or they are exhibiting the symptoms listed below, call your veterinarian as soon as possible, or contact your nearest animal emergency center.

How are dog intestinal blockages diagnosed?

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.

How can an intestinal blockage be treated?

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.

Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery

Dog intestinal blockage surgery is a major procedure that requires 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.

There are a few different things that will help determine the outcome of your dog's intestinal blockage surgery such as:

• 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.

What to Expect During 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. A cone or E-collar (Elizabethan collar) can help to prevent infections caused by chewing on the incision area.

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 discomfort afterward. Your veterinary surgeon will prescribe post-surgery pain medication for your dog. Be sure to follow the prescription instructions carefully to effectively manage your dog's pain 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.

What is the cost of surgery for intestinal surgery for dogs?

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, the length of the hospital stay, and other factors such as the overall health of your dog, age of your dog, and even where you live.

Your vet will be able to help provide an accurate estimate for surgery costs based on your pet's unique situation.

How can intestinal blockages be prevented?

The only sure way to help prevent the need for intestinal blockage surgery is to keep your dog from chewing on or swallowing non-food objects.

Here are some tips from helping to avoid this life-threatening situation:

• 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.