What is an intestinal obstruction in dogs?
That an intestinal obstruction (technically called Ileus) can be dangerous for your four-legged friend is something you may have heard before. But what exactly is it? As the name already suggests, an intestinal obstruction is a blockage of the intestine. This means the function of the organ is impaired and only a portion of the digested food or in the worst case scenario, nothing at all can pass through the intestine.
Symptoms: How can I recognize an intestinal obstruction in my dog?
With an intestinal obstruction, quick action is required. However, you can usually only recognize a blockage of the intestine after several hours. That's why it's important to observe your dog for a few hours and find out how dogs behave with an intestinal obstruction. Even before you notice that your dog can no longer defecate, dogs will often adopt the so-called prayer position — lowering their front body to the ground and raising their hindquarters in the air.
Among other things, the following signs can indicate an intestinal obstruction in dogs:
little to no defecation
straining to defecate
repeated adoption of the prayer position
frequent →vomiting of any food and liquid
hardened and bloated abdomen
weakness, lethargy, fatigue
→fever or low body temperature
sensitivity to touch in the abdomen, →abdominal pain
Note that a bowel transit (the process from eating to excreting feces) takes at least 24 hours, often even longer. Therefore, with an intestinal obstruction, it may take some time before the first symptoms appear. If you are unsure, contact an animal clinic as a precaution.
Your dog can't pass stool? Constipation can be an important sign of an intestinal obstruction!
Types of intestinal obstruction in dogs and possible causes
In principle, two types of intestinal obstruction are distinguished in dogs:
Mechanical ileus
A mechanical intestinal obstruction is a complete or partial blockage of the intestine. The digested food can no longer pass through. As a result, the digested food gradually accumulates and the intestinal tract becomes distended.
Possible causes: In most cases, a mechanical intestinal obstruction in dogs is caused by swallowed foreign bodies such as pieces of wood, bones, toys, chestnuts, or stones. Especially in young dogs, the urge to →chew during teething increases, making them want to put objects in their mouths. Suitable chew snacks are a good way to satisfy your dog's chewing needs.
Bite-resistant chew snacks for every chewing pleasure!
A severe infestation with intestinal parasites, gallstones, tumors, or twists of the intestine can also be causes of a mechanical intestinal obstruction in dogs.
Functional ileus
A functional ileus is a paralysis of the intestine or another functional disorder of the intestine. This can result in the cessation of intestinal motility. The passage through the intestine is disrupted, and the digested food accumulates in the increasingly full intestine.
Possible causes: With a functional intestinal obstruction, disorders in the nervous system often lead to a cessation of intestinal activity. But inflammations such as →pancreatitis, circulatory disorders, or →poisonings can also cause a functional intestinal obstruction.
A ball and other toys can sometimes be swallowed faster than you think and may cause an intestinal blockage. Always make sure to choose the right size for your dog!
Possible treatments for intestinal obstructions
Examination and diagnosis
An intestinal obstruction must always be treated by a veterinarian. Depending on the condition of the dog and the symptoms present, various examinations are performed first. Usually, the abdomen is palpated, fever is measured, and the mouth is examined.
Afterwards, an ultrasound is used to check whether your dog actually has an intestinal obstruction. In some cases, this is sufficient for a reliable diagnosis, in other cases, additional X-rays are needed. If the cause is unclear, sometimes a diagnostic opening of the abdomen (laparoscopy) is necessary, which may be followed immediately by surgery.
Treatment
Which treatment measures are necessary depends on the cause and severity of the intestinal obstruction in your dog. In simple cases it may be sufficient to administer laxatives or antispasmodic medications to resolve the blockage.
If your dog has swallowed an object or the intestinal obstruction is already more advanced, surgery is usually required. The swallowed object and any permanently damaged sections of the intestine must be removed and the healthy sections stitched together. After the operation, your dog will usually spend a few days in the animal clinic to receive the best possible care.
In severe cases, an intestinal obstruction must be treated with a life-saving operation. After that, your pet will soon feel better again!
When should I take my dog to the vet if I suspect an intestinal obstruction?
If you suspect that your dog has an intestinal obstruction, you should contact your vet immediately. With an intestinal obstruction, there is no way around treatment by a veterinarian. If the blockage remains untreated, it will lead to the death of the animal. In general: If you think your dog has swallowed or ingested something, quick action is required. Even if there is no blockage, your pet may have ingested something poisonous like a →poison bait and quick treatment is necessaryquick treatment is necessary.
How to prevent an intestinal obstruction in your dog
To make sure it doesn't come to that in the first place, there are a few things you can do to prevent an intestinal obstruction in your pet:
A →balanced and species-appropriate diet with a sufficiently high crude fiber content supports a healthy gastrointestinal tract for your dog.
Low-quality dog food with artificial additives such as sugar, grains, or ingredients labeled as 'animal by-products' should be avoided.
An adequate intake of fluids to support digestion.
When feeding bones, for example when →BARFing, you should keep an eye on your dog and teach him to chew bones thoroughly.
Dog toys should not be able to be chewed apart and have the right size so your dog cannot swallow them. Caution: Balls can easily end up in the stomach or, worse, the windpipe of dogs due to unfortunate accidents!
Teach your dog early on that he must not pick up anything from the ground. Chestnuts, acorns, nuts, stones, and sticks are not suitable dog toys.
Regular exercise (at least 2 hours per day) stimulates intestinal activity and helps prevent an intestinal obstruction in your dog.
Preventive treatment of intestinal parasites such as worms and →giardia can help maintain intestinal health..
