Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery: Procedure & Recovery

Your dog requires surgery for an intestinal blockage, and our Madison vets are here to explain how you can prepare, what to know about the procedure, the success rate, the recovery process, and more.

Dog Intestinal Blockages

An intestinal blockage is a serious issue for dogs, especially those who tend to chew on various objects. Our dog friends are curious creatures who explore the world with their mouths. Unfortunately, sometimes this can lead to them ingesting foreign objects such as toys, robe fibers, string, or your favorite pair of headphones. - seasoned dog parents know the list of possibilities is endless. 

Older dogs may face obstruction due to masses or tumors, and larger dogs might experience abdominal bloat, which often necessitates abdominal surgery.  

This can lead to your dog suddenly falling ill and needing immediate veterinary attention due to a common problem: bowel obstruction. 

Our Madison vets have seen a number of cases of dogs' stomachs or intestines becoming partially or completely blocked. These blockages can cause several potential complications, preventing food and water from passing through the GI tract and decreasing their blood flow. 

Signs of Intestinal Blockage in a Dog

When it comes to dog intestinal blockages, symptoms can include:

If these signs are caught early, and you get to the vet in time for surgery, your dog should recover just fine.

Can a dog die from intestinal blockage?

The timeline between the incident and treatment must be short for a dog with an intestinal blockage. Missing these signs of bowel obstruction and abdominal twisting can lead to very serious consequences. Left untreated, complications typically lead to fatality within 3 to 7 days. 

Unfortunately, large and giant breed dogs, including Great Danes, tend to fall ill within hours of stomach twisting. Since this is a veterinary emergency, these pups should immediately be rushed to your closest veterinarian or emergency clinic that performs emergency surgery.

Preparing for Your Dog's Intestinal Surgery

When you bring your dog to Best Friends Animal Hospital for emergency care, the vet will start with a physical exam, focusing on the abdomen. Blood work may be taken to determine whether the blockage is impacting your dog's general health. 

From there, imaging and diagnostic tests will be done in an effort to find the foreign object. Endoscopy is one of these tests. During the procedure, a small tube with a tiny camera attached is inserted through your dog's throat and into the stomach while your dog is sedated. 

If the objects can't be retrieved during endoscopy, an ultrasound or X-rays may be taken to determine the nature and location of the obstruction. Your dog may also be provided with IV fluids if they are dehydrated. These fluids can also encourage the GI tract to push the blockage through the intestines out of the body. 

Some objects pass naturally, but others may require surgery, especially If they pose an immediate danger to our dog's health. Your vet will recommend surgery in such cases.

The Procedure & What to Expect

After your dog has been prepared for the surgery, we'll make an incision near the blockage in their abdomen. This allows us to expose the gastrointestinal tract (exteriorized) to the outside of the body, and we'll be able to find the foreign body or mass that's blocking the bowels. Another incision is made to remove the obstruction. This process is called enterotomy or gastronomy. 

Depending on your dog's case and whether the obstruction has caused too much damage or if the mass is too large, the bowel may need to be removed (resection and anastomosis). In rare circumstances, the stomach or bowels can't be saved during surgery, and euthanasia may be required. The surgery usually takes 1 to 4 hours, and dogs with milder cases typically need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. 

Recovery After Surgery

As your dog recovers from intestinal blockage surgery, the first 72 hours after the procedure are the most critical. If your pup is doing well after 72 hours, they will usually recover well. However, watch out for these potential complications.

• Dehiscence (wound opening or separation)
• Sepsis (blood poisoning)
• Hypoalbuminemia (low protein count)

Make sure to monitor your dog closely and keep them calm while limiting their activity to prevent the tearing of the sutures. Your pup will need to wear a surgical cone to keep them from licking or chewing on the incision that's healing. 

Before your dog transitions back to his original diet, it's important to feed your pup small amounts of bland food and ensure they get enough fluids to prevent dehydration. 

Your pet will be anesthetized during surgery to prevent pain during the procedure. Remember that your pup may feel nauseated after surgery - don't panic if they vomit. 

While your dog won't feel pain during this major surgery, he or she will likely be in some pain afterward. Your vet will prescribe pain medication. Remember to follow the prescription's instructions carefully to manage your dog's pain at home. Along with pain medication, your veterinarian might also prescribe medications to help with nausea and vomiting if required.

What is the success rate for dog intestinal blockage surgery?

Your dog's survival following surgery to have an intestinal blockage removed depends on the following:

• Your dog's health pre-surgery
• The foreign object's size, shape, and location
• How long the foreign object has been stuck in the intestines

We will assess your dog's specific case, and then review the diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis with you, in addition to addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

How much does a dog's intestinal blockage surgery cost?

The cost of dog intestinal blockage surgery can vary depending on how extensive the damage is, the length of your dog's hospital stay, the types of medications required, and other factors (such as where you live). 

How can Best Friends Animal Hospital help?

Sudden health issues can occur anytime, including accidents or injuries. When it comes to intestinal blockage in dogs, we prioritize immediate and life-saving care. We aim to make your pet's surgery a positive and stress-free experience.

At Best Friends Animal Hospital, we are committed to explaining any procedure your pet may need, the process, cost estimate, and any follow-up or at-home care required. We provide a cost estimate and sit with you to review options before performing any procedure.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.