Intestinal Obstruction in Canines: An Examination by Tierra Price, DVM, Reviewed by Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on August 30, 2024, First Published on August 21, 2020.
Intestinal blockages in dogs can be a serious health concern, often caused by the ingestion of foreign objects or anatomical or motility disorders. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for intestinal blockages in dogs.
Causes
Dogs, especially young and playful ones, as well as certain breeds like Terriers, Spaniels, and Collies, are prone to intestinal blockages. Common causes include the ingestion of foreign objects such as bones, rocks, sticks, cloth items, toys, plants, and ingested fur from overgrooming. An old injury like a fractured pelvis can also narrow the pelvic canal, potentially causing blockage or constipation years later. Other causes include intussusception, a condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, which is more common in young dogs or certain breeds.
Symptoms
The symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs are typically persistent or repetitive vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty defecating (constipation), appetite loss, abdominal pain, and changes in posture such as hunching or arching of the back. Other symptoms include lethargy, dehydration (evident by dry nose, sunken eyes, loss of skin elasticity), and vocal signs of pain such as crying. Dogs may strain to defecate or may pass diarrhea if the blockage is partial, but a complete obstruction usually results in constipation. Abdominal bloating, excessive grooming of the back end, and increased distress are additional indications, with severe cases requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Treatment
The treatment for intestinal blockages can be surgical or non-surgical, depending on factors like the location, duration, size, shape, and characteristics of the foreign object. For objects that cannot readily move through the digestive tract or are causing damage, surgery is the preferred treatment. The surgery may include removing the object, suturing the stomach or intestines, and removing dead tissue if necessary. Endoscopic foreign body removal is also an option.
Pets may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or be on pain medications following surgery, adding to the overall cost of treatment. The cost to treat intestinal blockages in dogs depends on geographic location and the severity of the blockage, with intestinal blockage surgery potentially costing up to $2,000.
Prevention
The best way to prevent intestinal blockages is to limit a dog's chances of ingesting non-food material by putting things out of reach, being vigilant about items in the house, keeping an eye on the dog while playing or chewing on toys, and preventing scavenging through garbage and debris.
Prompt recognition and veterinary care are critical to prevent complications from intestinal blockages in dogs. If you suspect your dog may have an intestinal blockage, seek veterinary attention immediately.
- Engaging in science research, one could study the associated mental health effects on dog owners if their pets suffer from intestinal blockages due to the stress and financial burden of treatments.
- Encouraging a holistic approach to health-and-wellness, one might also focus on promoting mental health awareness for dog owners dealing with the stress of monitoring their pets for signs of intestinal blockages, which may impact their overall well-being.
