What is Intestinal Obstruction, or Bowel Obstruction?
An intestinal obstruction — also called a bowel obstruction — is a condition that’s common in dogs. When we consider a dog’s habit of eating just about anything they can find, which includes non-food objects, it’s no surprise that they can become regularly affected by stomach and bowel issues. Let’s be kind to our canine friends and just call them ‘indiscriminate eaters’, shall we?
A bowel obstruction can be either a complete or partial blockage of fluid and food flow through the small intestines. This blockage typically leads to a decrease of blood supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can have serious consequences: it can lead to the necrosis (death) of intestinal tissue and potential perforation.
Bacteria from the bowels can also spill into the abdominal cavity, which causes septic peritonitis.
Bacteria from the bowels can also spill into the abdominal cavity, which causes septic peritonitis.
A bowel obstruction in dogs can be extremely painful, and far worse — if left untreated it can be a fatal condition. Learn more about this condition, including to identify the signs of intestinal blockage in dogs.
Regular check-ups with a licensed vet can help to prevent more serious conditions from developing. Find out more about a Wellness Plan — get the right plan for your pup now.
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Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
Intestinal or bowel obstruction in dogs can be relatively easy to identify, with a range of different symptoms. Would you know how to tell if your dog has a blockage?
Here are some of the most common signs a dog has something stuck in its stomach.
Here are some of the most common signs a dog has something stuck in its stomach.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Straining during bowel movements
- Diarrhea
- Tarry stools
- Inability to defecate
- Lethargy
- Burping
- Excessive drooling
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Remaining still
- Refusing to lie down
Types of bowel obstruction in dogs
An intestinal or bowel obstruction in dogs can refer to two different types of blockage.
These are:
These are:
- Gastric outflow obstruction – Obstruction of fluid and food movement from the stomach to the small intestine.
- Small intestinal obstruction – Obstruction of fluid and food movement through the small intestine.
Causes of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
There’s a range of likely causes for the occurrence of both types of bowel obstruction in dogs.
Gastric outflow obstruction
Causes of gastric outflow obstruction can include:
Causes of gastric outflow obstruction can include:
- Ingestion of objects that can’t be broken down by the digestive system. In other words, stuff your dog’s eaten that it really should have. The list here is endless, but typically includes rawhides and bones (big chunks), toys, clothes, towels, stuffed animals, rocks, sticks, tennis balls, shoelaces, hair ties/bands, ribbons… you get the idea!
- Abdominal tumors or growths
- Gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and small intestine
- Pyloric stenosis — narrowing of the pyloric sphincter
- Gastric dilatation volvulus — known as GDV or bloat, this is a condition where the stomach twists
Small intestinal obstruction
The causes of small intestinal obstruction can also include some of those contributory factors in gastric outflow obstruction — namely, your dog eating unsuitable objects, an abdominal tumor and gastroenteritis.
Other causes include:
The causes of small intestinal obstruction can also include some of those contributory factors in gastric outflow obstruction — namely, your dog eating unsuitable objects, an abdominal tumor and gastroenteritis.
Other causes include:
- Intestinal parasites
- Intestinal stricture — a narrowing of the intestine
- Hernia
- Intussusception — a folding of the intestine
Diagnosis of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
If you suspect your dog has swallowed something large, sharp, indigestible and potentially harmful, don’t hesitate to visit your vet immediately. If you don’t witness anything but can see some of the signs that your dog has something stuck in its stomach, it’s critical to see your veterinarian for an examination.
A physical examination will allow the vet to reach a diagnosis. This might include checking the abdomen to determine the presence of any masses, intussusception, pain or foreign objects. You’ll be asked whether your pet has had any access to any dangerous items, or could have raided the trash.
If the vet thinks there could be an intestinal obstruction, blood testing may take place to potentially confirm an infection. Abdominal radiographs can aid in visualizing foreign bodies, tumors and abnormal bowels, so the vet gets a clear picture of what’s affecting your dog.
Ultrasound is another tool that can help to identify the presence of an obstruction and its location within the dog’s body.
Your veterinarian may order a Barium series. Barium sulfate is a metallic compound that shows up on x-ray. If the barium is blocked from flowing or is delayed in movement, this can indicate an obstruction and help to pinpoint its location.Ultrasound is another tool that can help to identify the presence of an obstruction and its location within the dog’s body.
If diagnostics indicate an intestinal obstruction, exploratory surgery (laparotomy) can be performed (often the same day) to locate and remove the obstruction.
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Treatment of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
Once an intestinal or bowel obstruction in dogs has been diagnosed, treatment is required — and in some cases, this needs to be urgent. Treatment options will vary, depending on the root cause of the bowel obstruction affecting your dog. A typical treatment process includes:
Induce Vomiting
If your dog’s intestinal obstruction has been caused by ingesting something, the vet may be able to induce vomiting to reject the foreign object. The pet will be sent home and should be monitored to check on appetite, any further vomiting and normal bowel movements (to ensure all potential danger of obstruction was eliminated through vomiting).
Depending on the severity of the situation, and when the diagnosis was made, vomiting might not be sufficient treatment. Prognosis can be good if an intestinal obstruction is caught and treated early, but poor if much time has been allowed to lapse.
Hospitalization and Stabilization
An intestinal obstruction can be life-threatening. In some cases, once diagnosis is made, the pet will be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids to aid in hydration and electrolyte restoration.
If an obstruction appears it may pass, the veterinarian may use fluid therapy and medical therapy to attempt to speed up the process. Continued radiographs can help in examining movement of the object.
If an obstruction appears it may pass, the veterinarian may use fluid therapy and medical therapy to attempt to speed up the process. Continued radiographs can help in examining movement of the object.
Laparotomy
Gastric dilatation volvulus requires immediate surgery — which can involve a process called a laparotomy, which is performed in the abdominal area. Here, foreign objects or masses that are obstructing the intestines will be removed, as well as any necrotic tissue. The dog will undergo general anesthesia throughout the surgery: the stomach and/or small intestines will be opened to remove the foreign object/mass or to correct any abnormal folding.
Resection and Anastomosis
Any dead intestinal tissue will be identified and removed. The intestines will be closed and examined for possible spots of leakage. If this procedure must be performed, the probability of post-operative complications increases.
Gastropexy
In the case of gastric dilatation volvulus, the stomach may be sutured to the intestinal wall to prevent recurrence. Some deep-chested dogs (Great Danes, sight hounds, such as the Irish Wolfhound) have this surgery as a preventative measure.
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Recovery of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
After surgery, the pet patient might be hospitalized for two to three days to monitor stability — this is an invasive surgery. Antibiotics, pain medications and anti-emetics (anti-nausea medications) will be administered via injection. Oral medications are likely to be continued following release.
After surgery, it’s important to keep your pet well rested for a few weeks. Food is often withheld for a period of time and then a bland diet is introduced in small amounts every few hours. The portion sizes are gradually increased over two to three days and the diet is then transitioned back to the normal diet gradually over seven days.
During this time, It’s important to monitor your pet for vomiting, appetite, and bowel movements and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian.
Ingestion of foreign objects can lead to costly veterinary bills. Keep pets from chewing things they could swallow or tear up and then swallow. Be especially careful with trash bins – keep them in a closed closet or use a secure lid so your dog can’t get access to them.
Cost of Bowel Obstruction In Dogs
The veterinarian will most likely perform a physical exam first which can cost $50 to $100 on average. The doctor may require blood testing to determine any infections. Blood testing can cost between $50 and $400. An abdominal radiograph may be necessary for a better view of what and where the object is. This test can cost between $150 and $400.
If the doctor needs a better view, she may order an ultrasound that can cost $230 to $400. Once the veterinarian has concluded the cause and location of the obstruction, she will start treatment. The dog will need to be hospitalized with intravenous fluids, which can be quite costly, depending on medications needed and response to therapy. If the veterinarian needs to perform a laparotomy, this will require a general anesthesia and can cost between $500 and $5000, depending on how diseased the intestines are. Finally, your dog will need a variety of medications along the way, and once released from the hospital.
If the doctor needs a better view, she may order an ultrasound that can cost $230 to $400. Once the veterinarian has concluded the cause and location of the obstruction, she will start treatment. The dog will need to be hospitalized with intravenous fluids, which can be quite costly, depending on medications needed and response to therapy. If the veterinarian needs to perform a laparotomy, this will require a general anesthesia and can cost between $500 and $5000, depending on how diseased the intestines are. Finally, your dog will need a variety of medications along the way, and once released from the hospital.
Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Average Cost
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Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Dachshund
Five Years
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog started suddenly with very smelly diarrhea. No vomiting. She has strained to try to move her bowels but has been unable. Her abdomen is soft with bowel sounds. This has continued for two days. The diarrhea is brown (not dark) but very smelly and oily. I haven’t seen her eat anything; but she has a tendency to eat any & everything.
April 5, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
22 Recommendations
Oh bless her, she looks quite fed up.
Ongoing diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and could indicate e.g. an infection or gut obstruction. A vet visit is best to examine her and as she may need medicine such as antibiotics and anti diarrhoea paste.
At home, ensure she is up to date with a good quality wormer and offer a bland meal of chicken and rice.
April 5, 2021
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Chiweenie
Nine Years
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tarry Stool
So my dog has been leaving little tiny spots on my floor even though we have yet to catch them doing it a literally is in the blink of an eye it's everywhere it's little tiny poops that are hardest held get off my floor their dark and they smell horrible not when you 1st come in contact with it but after you try cleaning it up it's Disgusting. It's been going on for the last couple of days. She's not complaining or rubbing her butt on the floor she's not constantly Licking her behind in fact it's almost like there's nothing wrong with her. No matter what we used to clean it up, It's damn impossible including a putty knife
Feb. 17, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
15 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
This may be digested blood which can occur with stomach or small intestinal bleeding.
You should see a vet right away to determine why this is happening and to rule out anaemia or dehydration.
They may run some tests such as a blood and stool analysis.
Feb. 17, 2021
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great
Two Months
27 found this helpful
27 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Chewed on foam flooring. Found a few pieces/chunks in stools... now puppy is straining and stools have turned to more diarrhea. Found another small piece tonight.
Seems to still have energy and drinking water.
Jan. 29, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
27 Recommendations
Hi,
Try adding some liquid paraffin to his food. It will help lubricate the bowel and pass out any foam left. If it persists please take him to the vet.
Jan. 29, 2021
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hound mixed
Eleven Years
29 found this helpful
29 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog is throwing up and peeing constantly in the house and cannot move his bowels even though he has tried several times.
Jan. 6, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
29 Recommendations
Hi,
Sorry about this.
This sounds like an obstruction in the gut probably from swallowing a foreign body e.g bones. It is preventing normal bowel movements thus the inability to pass stool. Vomiting is also a common symptom in such cases. The foreign body may also be applying a bit of pressure on the bladder explaining the increased frequency in urination.
Kindly follow up with your veterinarian for a tentative diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Jan. 6, 2021
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Labrador Retriever
Ten Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Abdominal Distension
On walk.When I put harness on he was fine.Belly-normal.Everything-good.Tried to poop.Pooped some.Walked 10-15 steps,he paused,slowed down,stopped.Would not walk further.Postured with back swayed,shoulders down,front legs wide,paws outward.Stood wobbling slightly several minutes.5 minutes he was able to walk-not much.Took to vet.Spent $400.Not GDV. Got no other answers.Vet busy.Never called to tell me what was wrong. Sent him home with no help, no answers, no relief.what could make belly suddenly bulge.Was fine,one second later was distended- visibly.Still very distended.He is not comfortable.
Dec. 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
9 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this.
Sometimes dogs will tense their abdomen and it will become a little bloated due to back pain. From what you describe I would wonder if we have e.g. a slipped disc in the back. As it is painful, dogs tense their abdomen to take pressure off their back.
I would request an xray of both the abdomen and spine, which will hopefully provide an answer.
Dec. 21, 2020
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French Bulldog
Shosh
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
No Appetite
Hi. My french bulldog got into a bag of milano cookies on Saturday. She ate some of the paper bag and several cookies, but seemed completely fine afterwards.
The following Friday (6 days later) she woke up at 5am and wanted to go outside and eat grass. After that she would spit up clear bile with grass. She didn't eat that day and we just kind of kept an eye on her, but she drank a ton of water. She did seem lethargic though. Saturday morning she still wouldn't eat and would try to eat grass.
Saturday night I tried to entice with chicken breast, but she wasn't interested. Shortly after she threw up brown foul smelling bile, so we went to the emergency vet. They did an X-ray and full blood work, but it was normal. She stayed over night for fluids.
Sunday morning (today) they X-rayed her again - still normal. She still would not eat. Then they did an ultra sound and they said it was pretty unremarkable, but that maybe she had gastritis. I took her home tonight around 8pm with anti-naseau medication and appetite stimulant....but she's still not wanting to eat.
I am properly freaked out that they could be missing an obstruction and that we could be wasting precious time.
Has anyone dealt with an obstruction that didn't show up on X-rays or ultrasounds? She hasn't eaten in 3 full days now and is lethargic.
Border Collie
Willow
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Depression
Lethargy
Vomiting
Burping
Anorexia
Anxiety
Confusion
Paranoia
Irritability
Absence Of Bowel Movement
If you suspect your dog has an obstruction, DO NOT LEAVE THE VET UNTIL THEY HAVE CHECKED AND RE-CHECKED YOUR DOGS GI TRACT. My dog Willow died yesterday because of a negligent vet. Willow was just over one year old when she died. I took her to the vet on Thursday with suspicion of obstruction. The vet felt her stomach, took an x-ray of her stomach and told me she had gas and inflammation due to gastroenteritis. He told me she likely got into something poisonous, or contracted a parasite or viral infection. I followed every instruction I received from the vet and force fed Willow wet dog food with a syringe, forced anti-nausea pills, antibiotic pills, and de-wormer down her throat. All the while, Willow was suffering from intestinal obstruction. She was literally dying while I was forcing drugs and food down her throat. I took Willow back to the vet first thing on Monday morning. We saw a different vet at the same office and he immediately felt the obstruction simply by performing a physical examination on the outside of her abdomen. He took Willow back for exploratory surgery. I cried, and told the vet I was so worried for my sweet pup, he reassured me she would likely be fine and that she had an 80% chance of a great recovery. Unfortunately, vet calls me mid-surgery to tell me the damage to Willow's small intestine was very bad. He said he could remove the damaged tissue and attempt to sew the remaining intestine back together. We agreed, we begged this vet to do anything in his power to save our Willow no matter what the cost might be. He agreed. Within 10 minutes, vet called us back to tell us he was making the decision to call it quits- that the damage was so extensive, he felt he wouldn't be able to save her. At that point we had no other choice but to drive to my daughters school, check her out, and deliver the horrible news. Her dog that she had worked with every single day rain, shine, snow, heat, didn't matter- my daughter, Willow and I LOVED agility training. Willow will be missed forever, and the experience of a negligent vet will never be forgotten or forgiven. I will take accountability for the towel she ate parts of, I am certainly to blame for that, and I will be sorry forever. But the vet ALLOWED my dog to suffer for DAYS and ultimately die on the operating table. My daughter and husband never got to say goodbye to Willow. My daughter didn't even know I was advised to bring her back to the vet. Again, if your dog is not acting like him or herself then something is not right. Do not give up on your pup until YOU KNOW they are fully recovered and well.
Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Average Cost
From 220 quotes ranging from $800 - $7,000
Average Cost
$3,000
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