How do intestinal blockages happen in dogs?
A frequent worry for dog owners is bowel obstruction, which occurs when the stomach or intestines are partially or fully blocked. This blockage can lead to various complications, such as hindering the passage of food and water through the digestive system and reducing blood flow.
Blockages can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Some food may be able to pass into the esophagus, but not into the stomach. Other food may pass into the stomach but not into the intestines. Food often gets lodged in a dog's intestines' intricate twists and turns.
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.
The Timeline of Intestinal Blockages in Dogs
Intestinal blockages in dogs can vary in severity and timeline, depending on the size and location of the obstruction. In mild cases, symptoms may appear within 24-48 hours after ingestion of a foreign object, while more severe blockages can cause symptoms to develop rapidly within a few hours.
What are the signs of intestinal blockages in dogs?
How can you tell if your dog has an intestinal blockage? Symptoms of a dog intestinal blockage might be mistaken for a simple upset stomach unless you've witnessed your dog swallowing a foreign object.
If you think your dog ingested something suspicious or they are exhibiting the symptoms listed below, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of the dog intestinal blockage symptoms include:
- Painful abdomen to the touch
- Whining
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
- Aggressive behavior when the abdomen is touched
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Straining or unable to poop
Can a dog die from an intestinal blockage?
If left untreated, intestinal blockages can lead to serious complications such as dehydration, sepsis, and even death. It is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your dog may have an intestinal blockage.
What To Expect From 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. The surgery usually takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on the severity of the blockage.
During the intestinal surgery, your vet will make an incision in your dog's abdomen close to the blockage and carefully remove the object. They may also need to repair any damage to the stomach or intestinal wall caused by the obstruction.
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 surgery. Of course, the sooner the surgery is performed, the better. Contact our vets if you want to find out how much a dog's intestinal blockage surgery costs.
Success Rate
On average, the success rate for this type of surgery is quite good, with a big percentage of dogs making a full recovery and returning to normal function within a few weeks. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to discuss specific factors that may affect the success rate for your individual dog.
How to Prepare Your Dog for the Surgery
Before your dog undergoes intestinal blockage surgery, it is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions for fasting your dog prior to the procedure. This typically involves withholding food for 12-24 hours before surgery to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia. Additionally, make sure to inform your veterinarian of any medications or supplements your dog is currently taking, as they may need to be adjusted before surgery.
Recovery
After the surgery and hospital stay, keep a close eye on your dog and limit their activity significantly. Stick to brief walks for at least a week to avoid risking the sutures tearing. Your dog will also have to wear the infamous cone to prevent 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.
Anesthesia can make some dogs feel nauseated after surgery and it’s common for dogs to vomit afterwards. So, your vet may also prescribe medications to relieve your dog’s nausea and vomiting, if needed.
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.