How Do You Recognize Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs?

Recognize symptoms

At the slightest suspicion of intestinal obstruction, you should immediately consult the veterinarian. They will recommend an X-ray. In some cases, the X-ray is taken with a contrast agent.

An ultrasound examination can also be helpful in this case.

If there is a suspicion of complete occlusion, only an emergency operation can help, in which the abdomen is opened and the foreign body is removed. If parts of the intestine have already been affected, these are also removed.

It is a serious operation, which is also very expensive.

How can an intestinal obstruction occur?

The reasons for an intestinal obstruction can be very different. The most common cause is swallowing foreign objects, such as toys, socks, or large pieces of bone.

For example, if the dog swallows a piece of bone that is too large, it can just about pass through the stomach and large intestine. However, the bone is too large for the small intestine. Now there is a risk of intestinal obstruction because the chyme can no longer get past the piece of bone.

Something similar also happens when your dog eats too many bones. In the intestine, the water is removed from the bone pulp and it thickens like cement and clogs the intestine.

In addition to this mechanical closure, the intestine can also twist or twist. Another cause of intestinal obstruction can be a heavy worm infestation. Intestinal paralysis, on the other hand, occurs as a result of intestinal inflammation or a disturbance in the nerves.

How does the digestive system work in dogs?

In a healthy dog, the food pulp is transported through the digestive system by the movements of the intestines. In the process, all the required nutrients are absorbed until the waste products are finally excreted as feces.

If this process is disturbed and the food pulp cannot be transported further in the intestine, this is referred to as an intestinal obstruction.

Two types are distinguished:

1. Paralytic bowel obstruction is paralysis of the bowel.
2. Obstructive bowel obstruction
   In obstructive obstruction, the bowel is blocked by an obstruction. In technical jargon, the intestinal obstruction is referred to as an ileus.

This is how you can easily prevent it

There are several things you can do to prevent your animal from suffering.

Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Always feed bones in moderation and be careful not to splinter them.

The dog should only be given chews under supervision.
Always check whether the dog regularly defecates in the right amount.

When buying toys, you should pay attention to the right size and quality. Cheap stuffed animals have no business being around dogs. It is far too dangerous for parts to come loose and the dog to swallow them.

Check the dog toy regularly for damage. If a part is missing, the dog may have swallowed it.

Immediately after swallowing a foreign object, you can give the dog sauerkraut as a first-aid measure. It wraps around the swallowed part and the dog can excrete everything easily.

In this case, be sure to search the feces for the swallowed part. If the dog does not defecate, as usual, you must consult the veterinarian immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does an intestinal obstruction appear in dogs?

How do I recognize an intestinal obstruction in dogs? The most common symptoms are loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, hard, tender abdominal wall, and shallow breathing. If you have these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Can a dog still defecate despite an intestinal obstruction?

If the intestinal blockage is very high in the intestine, e.g. at the entrance to the small intestine, the dog may be able to defecate ‘normally’ for a while despite the blockage.

What to do if your dog has an intestinal obstruction?

Surgery is usually required to treat intestinal obstruction. The intestine is opened under general anesthesia, the foreign body is removed and the intestine is closed again (enterotomy).

How long does an intestinal obstruction last?

Depending on the extent and cause, the duration of the operation for intestinal obstruction is one to several hours.

How do you die from an intestinal obstruction?

In the case of strangulation ileus, the intestine is mechanically kinked by invagination of parts of the intestine or twisting of the intestine, or a section of the intestine is pinched in a hernial orifice. If the blood supply is interrupted as a result, the affected section of the intestine dies.

What is a laxative in dogs?

Home remedies for constipation in dogs

Typical home remedies for solving mild constipation are milk, yogurt, linseed, psyllium husk, or oil, which should contain a relatively high proportion of paraffin oil. They all act like mild laxatives.

How quickly does an intestinal obstruction have to be operated on?

Often an obstacle blocks the intestinal passage. Sometimes the intestine is paralyzed. The intestinal contents are then not transported further and build up. Therefore, in the case of suspicion: immediately to the hospital, because often an operation must be carried out immediately.

When is a dog considered constipated?

Since you pick up and dispose of your dog’s feces daily, you should be able to quickly spot any irregularities in your puppy’s bowel movements. If you find that your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 24 hours, this is a clear indication that your dog is constipated.