Bowel obstructions, also known as intestinal obstructions, are common and potentially life-threatening conditions in dogs. This usually occurs when a dog eats an object that they shouldn’t, which then becomes lodged in the intestines. Here’s what a vet wants pet parents to know.
A bowel obstruction occurs when the passage of food and waste through your dog’s intestines is partially or completely blocked. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including ingestion of foreign objects, tumors, or even a twisting of the intestines.
When the intestines are blocked, your dog can’t absorb water or other essential nutrients, leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and malnutrition. In severe cases, or if left untreated, the pressure caused by the obstruction can stop blood flow, damage the intestinal wall (causing tissue necrosis), or even cause the intestines to rupture, releasing bacteria into the abdomen and causing a life-threatening infection. Without treatment, death will occur.
🚨 Bowel obstructions are life-threatening medical emergencies requiring urgent treatment. If you are concerned that your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, or if they are showing signs of intestinal obstruction, seek veterinary care immediately.
The symptoms of intestinal obstruction can vary depending on the underlying cause, location of the obstruction, and how long it has been present. Recognizing the signs is critical for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:
Understanding the potential causes of bowel obstructions can help you take steps to prevent this dangerous condition in your dog.
Dogs, especially puppies, are naturally indiscriminate eaters and may swallow objects out of curiosity, boredom, or hunger. These can include anything from toys, bones, and clothing to rocks, string, and even diapers. Small or digestible objects may pass through the intestines without issue; however, there is always a risk of intestinal obstruction when a dog eats a foreign or inappropriate object. If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, contact your vet as soon as possible. There may be steps they can take to help avoid a bowel obstruction, but time is of the essence.
⚠️ Corn cobs, tampons, sanitary pads, diapers, sharp objects, coins, batteries, and bones are especially dangerous for dogs to eat. Additionally, linear foreign bodies (Trusted Source) (string, rope, dental floss, etc.) can become stuck and cause the intestines to bunch up, leading to significant damage.
While ingestion of a foreign object is the most common cause of an intestinal obstruction, there are other possible causes as well.
There are many possible causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs – luckily, most are not due to intestinal obstruction and often resolve quickly with appropriate supportive treatment. However, if your dog shows symptoms of bowel obstruction or has a history of eating foreign objects, it is critical to see your vet as soon as possible.
Your veterinarian will begin with a nose-to-tail physical exam, feeling your dog’s abdomen for signs of pain, distension, or unusual masses. They will also ask about your dog’s medical history, including the onset and severity of symptoms, as well as any potential triggers like recent dietary changes or access to foreign objects. Blood and urine testing will likely be done to assess your dog’s overall health, hydration levels, potential organ damage, or signs of infection.
Several types of imaging can be used to help your vet to visualize the intestines. Radiographs (X-rays) are generally the first step. Some foreign bodies may be visible on X-rays, but your vet will also look for gas buildup (obstructive pattern), bunching of the intestines, and other abnormalities. In some cases, your vet may perform a contrast study. Your dog will be given a special dye (usually barium) that is visible as bright white on X-rays, and then a series of images will be taken to watch how it travels through the GI tract. Ultrasound can also help your vet visualize the intestines and surrounding organs to determine the presence and severity of an intestinal obstruction. In some cases, endoscopy (a tiny camera on a flexible tube) may be inserted to identify and possibly remove foreign objects in the stomach.
If the above tests are inconclusive, exploratory surgery may be needed to confirm and remove a blockage.
Treatment for ingestion of a foreign object depends on what your dog has eaten, how long ago ingestion occurred, and whether or not they are showing symptoms of a bowel obstruction.
If your dog has ingested a foreign object less than two hours ago, your vet may be able to make them vomit it up. Never try to do this at home unless directed to by your vet. If a foreign object is small enough, it may pass through the intestines without issues. Some vets may recommend feeding bulky high-fiber food, such as bread or pumpkin, to help coat the object and help it pass. Lastly, if an object is in the stomach or upper intestines, it may be able to be retrieved with endoscopy. While this procedure requires anesthesia, it is much less invasive than abdominal surgery.
⚠️ If your dog is already showing symptoms of intestinal obstruction, emergency surgery is the only treatment option.
Surgery is the most common treatment for intestinal obstruction. Depending on the type and location of the blockage, your veterinarian may perform an exploratory laparotomy – a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the abdomen to assess the intestines visually. If the obstruction is caused by a foreign object, your veterinarian will carefully remove it, sometimes requiring a small incision in the intestine (enterotomy). In cases where a portion of the intestine is damaged beyond repair due to lack of blood flow or excessive pressure, resection and anastomosis may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged section and reconnecting the healthy ends. Additional procedures like removing a tumor or repairing a hernia might also be required.
The cost of intestinal obstruction surgery in dogs can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Discussing the potential costs with your veterinarian before proceeding with surgery is essential, as they can provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your dog’s specific situation.
Recovery from bowel obstruction surgery is critical for your dog. The initial 72 hours are the most crucial, during which your dog will likely remain hospitalized and on IV fluids so your vet can closely monitor them for any complications, such as infection, bleeding, or dehiscence (suture breakdown). Pain management and antibiotics are also typically part of the post-operative care to ensure your dog’s comfort.
You will receive specific instructions from your veterinarian on caring for your dog at home after discharge. The recovery period is generally 14 days and will involve:
The prognosis for dogs who undergo bowel obstruction surgery varies depending on several factors, such as the underlying cause, location of the obstruction, time to diagnosis and treatment, and your dog’s overall health. In most cases, with quick treatment and appropriate post-operative care, dogs can fully recover and go on to live normal, healthy, happy lives – in fact, the survival rate for dogs with intestinal obstructions due to foreign bodies is reported at 83-99% (Trusted Source) . More severe blockages, those requiring resection and anastomosis, the presence of a tumor, or the development of complications, may carry different prognoses based on the individual situation. In all cases, it’s crucial to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and be vigilant for any signs of complications during the recovery period.
If ingesting a foreign object was the cause of your dog’s intestinal obstruction, it’s important to take steps to prevent recurrence. By taking some simple and proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your dog’s risk of developing this potentially life-threatening condition.
Bowel obstruction is a serious and potentially fatal condition in dogs. Understanding the causes, recognizing the signs, and taking proactive steps to prevent this condition can significantly increase your dog’s chances of a happy, healthy life. Remember, time is of the essence — If you suspect your dog may be suffering from this condition, don’t hesitate to seek immediate veterinary care. Your dog’s life may depend on it.
Dogs with a partial blockage may still pass some stool, but it may be watery or thin. However, a complete blockage prevents any stool from passing beyond the obstruction (feces already present past the obstruction will still be pooped out).
Keep a watchful eye out for these potential signs of a bowel obstruction in your dog: persistent vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, a painful or swollen abdomen, difficulty or inability to pass stool or gas, diarrhea, and signs of discomfort like whining, crying, or a “praying position.”
Clearing a dog’s bowel obstruction usually requires veterinary intervention. Sometimes, a small foreign object may pass, or your vet might try non-surgical methods like endoscopy. However, surgery is often the only effective solution, especially for larger or more complex blockages.
There are no safe or effective home remedies for bowel obstructions in dogs. Attempting to treat this condition at home can delay necessary veterinary care and worsen your dog’s condition, potentially leading to fatal consequences. It’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has a bowel obstruction.
The cost of bowel obstruction surgery varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the obstruction, the type of surgery required, the location of the veterinary clinic, and the dog’s overall health. It can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more on average.
Without treatment, a bowel obstruction can quickly become fatal. The severity of the blockage and the dog’s overall health play a role, but generally, a dog will only survive 3-4 days without intervention. Prompt veterinary care is essential to save your dog’s life.
