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
From 220 quotes ranging from $800 - $7,000
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Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd
Lana
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My German Shepherd just came in from her morning outside time. Apparently she chewed up a stick. She ate a large breakfast and drank a ton, then proceeded to vomit it all back up along with chunks of stick. After, vomiting she seems normal and she's drinking again. I know the first step is to induce vomiting, since she has already vomited, should we make a vet visit now or monitor her today?
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
It would be worth visiting your Veterinarian because if she has vomited chunks of stick, some pieces (splinters etc…) may still be present and may embed in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract causing an abscess or worse, perforation. You may monitor her, but I would recommend staying on the side of caution and seeing your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Pittbull mix
Shamrock
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Appetite
It's possible that my dog has eaten clumping cat litter, although I have not seen it I do suspect it. He seems to have a loss of appetite but I have not noticed any other symptoms yet.
Wondering if there is anything I can do before I take him to the vet.
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
Clumping kitty litter is designed to form a hard insoluble mass when it gets wet, also the dust can line the respiratory passageways and form a hard coating. If Shamrock has eaten clumping kitty litter he would require surgery to have it removed; the surgery is difficult, I would recommend visiting your Veterinarian if you suspect he has eaten the clumping kitty litter so that treatment options can be assessed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
My dog has also eaten clumping litter. I have seen it. She has not eaten in two days. Her sister is blind and diabetic.its has been more than (10k our savings )in treatments to save the diabetic. We will not be able to pay for surgery. I fear this means I must put both dogs to rest at just 8 years of age. Any suggestions?
July 26, 2017
Falicia C.
Get pet insurance, it won’t cover the presxisting diabetes or blindness but could help your current dog, though it usually takes a few days to cover illness and maybe even weeks for surgery.
Nov. 30, 2017
Paige S.
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American Pit Bull Terrier
Scooter
2
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Lethargy
Since this morning my dog has been very lethargic and has eaten very little. At 7pm tonight, he had a fever of 102.8. Now, (4 hours later) he has a fever of 103.0 (along with mild halitosis). A few days ago he had a hacking cough that sounded a bit like kennel cough, but that subsided within the day. He has not vomited and has had normal, solid stool with no blood or mucous. He also doesn't seem painful in his abdomen. His gums are also bright pink. I don't want him to suffer, but I'm wondering if this is something that his body can fight off in a couple of days.
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
Dogs have a higher body temperature at 100-103ºF compared to us humans at 97-100ºF, so Scooter doesn’t necessarily have a fever. Sometimes dogs, like humans, have tummy aches where they loose their appetite and may vomit or not and the next day be fine. The halitosis could be caused by some gastrointestinal upset, originating from the respiratory tract or from dental disease. Keep Scooter under a close eye, ensure that he keeps drinking and if he hasn’t started to eat by tomorrow mid-morning or his symptoms get worse before then, visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Boxer
Lizzy
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
My son's 9 year old boxer was extremely lethargic and threw up numerous times. At first it was food then white foam. We took her to the vet and on the way she threw up and her vomit looked and smelled like diarrhea. She hasn't had a bowel movement at all as far as we know in a couple of days. She ate a rawhide bone the night before she got sick. The vet said she has pancreatitis but I they didn't X-ray her stomach, only blood work. Is there a chance it could be an intestinal blockage?
July 26, 2017
0 Recommendations
During Lizzy’s examination by her Veterinarian blood tests were taken and would have probably shown elevated serum amylase and serum lipase which is indicative of pancreatitis, but not conclusive and used only as an indicator as part of a differential diagnosis; so usually a Canine Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity SNAP test is performed to confirm pancreatitis. Without seeing blood results I wouldn’t be able to comment further on your Veterinarian’s diagnosis based on those findings. Vomiting of faecal matter may be caused by eating faeces, intestinal obstruction or other gastrointestinal disease; vomiting is a sign in 90% of dogs with pancreatitis. There is a chance that Lizzy has an intestinal obstruction, but your Veterinarian would have palpated her stomach and considered other clinical signs as part of their diagnosis which in their opinion pointed to pancreatitis; if you insist with your Veterinarian they would perform an x-ray, but if you have Pet Insurance, they may not cover the cost. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
I just lost my dog to this she had a blockage and I didn't get it treated in time xray didn't show anything but we suspect it was clothing (underwear) we are mourning now so please as soon as you suspect a blockage with vomiting of brown iquid thst smells bad be proactive and get things taken care of ...i waited too long and had to put her down
March 19, 2018
Roxane G.
Dr. Turner
My 8 yo American Bulldog has the same symptoms as the boxer above. However, my vet did do a physical exam, blood tests and an X-ray all came back normal. No fever, no pain. Just very lethargic.
This will be day 5 that Bella has been throwing up brown fluid with brown specs in it that smells really terrible. She has been burping too, really stinky as well.
I am not sure what to do since all signs are negative. Please advise.
Dec. 28, 2017
Amy S.
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Bowel Obstruction In Dogs Average Cost
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Average Cost
$3,000
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