What Causes Intestinal Damage In The Dogs?

Intestinal blockage is a very common issue in all dogs. Moreover, it is a condition in which the dog’s digestive system almost ceases to function. Thus, this condition completely blocks the dog’s intestine. 

The blockage prevents water and food from passing through the gastrointestinal tract. In severe cases, the condition can even reduce blood flow. 

Intestinal blockage in dogs can even cause death when it continues for more than 3-7 days. 

Moreover, intestinal blockage can happen in any part of the dog’s body. Often, the food passes into the esophagus. However, the intake cannot reach the stomach.  

On the other hand, in several cases, it passes through the stomach but cannot enter the intestine. 

However, mostly the foreign bodies cause bowel obstructions. This is common in puppies, as they often swallow things that are not good for them. 

Synthetic materials, fabric, toy parts, and other things can cause immense damage when they block the digestive tract in animals. 

On the other hand, the older dogs often face issues related to intestinal blockage due to several internal problems, including cysts, tumors, and others. 

Dog Intestinal Blockage Timeline 

People often ask this question: “Can a dog die due to intestinal damage?” Moreover, the answer to this remains “Yes”.  

Intestinal blockage in dogs is a very serious condition. Moreover, a condition of intestinal blockage should press against the intestinal walls.  

Moreover, this will damage the intestine and cause the tissues to die from within. In severe cases, the dogs may even have to face issues like bowel rupture and others.  

Complete intestinal damage should kill a dog typically within 3-4 days. Thus, the dog’s parents should take their dog to the hospital immediately, understanding the severity and timeline of the condition.  

The timeline should be religiously followed. Moreover, in some cases, the foreign object can pass through the faeces. However, in several cases, it is difficult to get past them. 

You should always be observant to check for swallowed objects in the feces. But when the object does not pass on its own, and the dog further suffers from sickness, you should immediately rush to the doctor for help.  

The vets can often suggest surgery when they determine that the foreign object is present and it can be life-threatening. 

We often do not get to see what our puppies do throughout the day. Thus, they often swallow harmful objects before we can even notice.  

Thus, dog owners should immediately take their puppies to the vet if they notice any such symptoms. 

Understanding the timeline plays a crucial role, as everything needs to be done within the stipulated time to avoid loss of life. 

How Do You Know If Your Dog Has An Intestinal Blockage?

When a dog suffers from intestinal blockage, they may exhibit various symptoms. Moreover, the dog’s parents should always be on the lookout for these symptoms.  

Not understanding the symptoms can lead to the death of the dog within a very short period of time. 

You should always look for missing small objects in the room when you have not witnessed your dog swallowing anything. 

Further, look for these symptoms if you are not sure whether your dog swallowed a foreign object.  

Hence, here are the symptoms that you should continue to look for. Do not brush off these symptoms as signs of “upset stomach”. Instead, take your doggo immediately to the vet before it gets too late for it. 

• Vomiting  

• Loss of appetite 

• Weakness 

• Nausea  

• Diarrhea  

• Unable to defecate 

• Signs of pain in the abdomen when it is touched. 

• Bloating  

• Whining  

• Restlessness  

• Dehydration  

• Showing aggression when someone touches the abdomen 

Call the nearest animal emergency center immediately when you suspect intestinal blockage in your dog, without wasting any time. 

How Does The Diagnosis Of Dog Intestinal Blockage Happen? 

You often see your puppy eating a foreign object. Thus, you think “how to get this out of the system of my dog”. However, you should not really keep things in your own hands in these situations. 

Your vet shall perform a physical examination on your dog. The veterinary expert should focus specifically on your dog’s abdominal region. 

The veterinary experts also conduct blood tests to see if the blockage is affecting blood flow in the dogs.  

Generally, the vets use various imaging systems, such as X-rays, to check for foreign objects in the dog’s body. 

Tests like endoscopy can help determine the cause of intestinal blockage. This process can even locate the foreign object within the dog’s stomach. 

Moreover, professionals attach a small camera to a thin, narrow tube and insert it into the dog’s body. This generally happens under anesthesia. 

What Are The Different Types Of Treatments For Intestinal Blockage In Dogs?

Intestinal obstruction often involves surgical intervention. However, the doctors often offer non-surgical solutions as well.   

The vets generally consider factors like the location of the object, how long it has been stuck, and the size and shape of the object. 

Often, the vets retrieve the object with an endoscope. Moreover, complicated cases require X-rays and an ultrasound to determine severity. 

1. Intestinal Blockage Surgery For Dogs  

Dog intestinal blockage surgery involves several complicated procedural nuances. Moreover, the process requires your dog to be anesthetized.  

The hospitals generally keep the dog to ensure optimal recovery. Moreover, the duration of the surgery varies from case to case.  

The doctors often have to repair any damage to the stomach’s interior walls caused by the foreign body. 

2. What Determine The Chances Of Survival In The Dogs After The Surgery? 

Several factors determine the dogs’ chances of survival after surgery for an intestinal blockage. Some of these factors include. 

• The shape, size, and location of the foreign object. 

• Duration of the foreign object being stuck in the intestine. 

• The health of the dog prior to the surgery. 

The diagnostic tests shall help the vets determine things more accurately. Moreover, they will provide you with a proper analysis of all the possible outcomes after running the tests. 

The sooner you take your dog to the vet, the better for the dog. Hence, taking the dog to the vet early increases its chances of survival.   

3. What Is The Process Of Recovery Of The Dog After Intestinal Blockage Surgery? 

The first 72 hours are the most critical period after surgery. The patients generally recover well after the first 72 hours following surgery.  

However, the dog can still suffer from complications such as Sepsis(Blood Poisoning) and Dehiscence (Opening of wounds). 

Always stick to short walks at least for a year. Moreover, this will prevent the sutures from tearing.  

The dog should wear a cone to prevent them from chewing the healing incisions. Moreover, the dog should be given bland food in smaller quantities before you shift to the previous diet. 

The dog should not face any pain during the surgery. However, later the dog may experience discomfort in their intestines. 

Mostly, the veterinary experts provide a few instructions for the dog’s quick recovery. The dog’s parents should follow the doctor’s instructions thoroughly. 

4. What Is The Cost Of Intestinal Blockage Surgery For The Dogs?  

The doctors often have to conduct an intestinal surgery on the dog. Moreover, the cost of an intestinal blockage surgery varies depending on several factors. 

These factors include the duration of the stay, the duration of the obstruction, the dog’s age, and several others. 

Always speak to the vet or veterinary surgeon to get a clear idea about the total cost of the operation on your dog’s intestine. 

How To Prevent Intestinal Blockage In Dogs?

The dogs, especially the puppies, have a tendency to swallow non-edible things. Thus, you should always try to prevent them from ingesting any non-food material. 

You should always put the small things out of your puppy’s reach. Always be vigilant about the items in the house, and also keep a count of the small objects.  

Furthermore, never allow your dog to chew on furniture, paint, rugs, or other things. Ingestion of these things can make them sick. 

Do not allow the dogs to scavenge through garbage and other debris. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Intestinal blockage in dogs.