What is a Blockage in Dogs?
A blockage, also known as an intestinal obstruction, occurs when an object or some other material gets stuck inside a dog’s gastrointestinal tract or intestines. This results in an obstruction that can prevent food, water, and waste from passing normally through the intestines. Blockages can come in two main forms:
Partial blockages – This is where the intestines are only partially obstructed. Some food and waste can still squeeze past the blockage, but not enough to be considered normal.
Complete blockages – This is where the intestines become fully obstructed. Nothing can pass the blockage at all.
Common causes of intestinal blockages in dogs include:
- Swallowing foreign objects like toys, rocks, sticks, underwear, etc.
- Ingesting something indigestible like string, rubber bands, plastic, etc.
- Intussusception – where one part of the intestine telescopes into another
- Tumors or cancer growths
- Scarring from previous surgeries
Blockages can occur in both the small intestines and large intestines. They are considered a serious medical emergency that requires rapid treatment.
Signs of a Blockage
When a dog has a blockage in its digestive tract, whether in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, it will often exhibit some common signs and symptoms. These can help alert owners that their dog may have an obstruction that requires veterinary attention.
Some of the most notable signs of a possible blockage include:
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Vomiting – Dogs may vomit repeatedly. Sometimes they will bring up only bile or mucus if the obstruction is preventing food from being digested and passing through.
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Diarrhea – Liquid diarrhea or very loose stools can develop if the blockage is partial. However, dogs may also become constipated if the obstruction is complete.
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Loss of appetite – Dogs usually lose their appetite and become reluctant to eat. They may seem hungry but then sniff at their food and walk away.
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Abdominal pain – With an intestinal obstruction, the buildup of gas and fluid causes abdominal pain and discomfort. Dogs may seem restless, groan, or tense their abdomen.
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Lethargy – Blocked dogs often start acting lethargic and depressed as toxins accumulate in their blood from the backed-up digestive tract. They may lack energy and hide or isolate themselves.
Diagnosing a Blockage
If a veterinarian suspects an intestinal blockage based on your dog’s symptoms and medical history, they will perform a physical exam and abdominal x-rays to confirm. On physical exam, the vet will palpate your dog’s abdomen to feel for any obstructions or enlarged intestines, which can indicate a blockage. They will also listen for diminished gut sounds, which can signify an obstruction preventing normal peristalsis and digestion.
Abdominal x-rays are often the quickest way to diagnose an obstruction. Radiographs can reveal foreign objects lodged in the intestinal tract, gas buildup behind the obstruction, and distended intestinal loops. The vet may administer barium contrast to enhance visibility of the obstruction on x-rays.
Your vet may also run bloodwork to check for signs of infection, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances, which are common with a blockage. Elevated white blood cell count, high BUN (blood urea nitrogen), and low potassium can indicate an intestinal obstruction. However, x-rays are the most definitive diagnostic tool.
Treating a Blockage
If your vet diagnoses your dog with a blockage, there are a few different treatment options available. The main treatments are providing supportive care with fluids and medication, surgically removing the blockage, and proper aftercare.
Fluids and Medication
One of the first steps in treating a blockage is to stabilize your dog with fluids and medications. Your vet will likely administer IV fluids to prevent dehydration and give medications like gastroprotectants to soothe the stomach. Pain relievers may also be prescribed to keep your dog comfortable.
Surgery to Remove Blockage
Most blockages require surgery for removal. This involves anesthetizing your dog and making an incision into the stomach or intestines to remove the obstructing object. The vet will then check for any damage to the gastrointestinal tract before closing the incision.
Aftercare
After surgery, your dog will need to stay at the vet for a couple days to receive IV fluids, pain control, and monitoring. Your vet will recommend a special bland diet for a week or two to allow the GI tract to recover. Close monitoring for vomiting, lethargy and decreased appetite is necessary post-surgery to ensure your dog is healing properly. Follow all your vet’s instructions for providing proper aftercare.
Can a Blockage Resolve Without Surgery?
Whether a blockage can resolve without surgery depends on the location and cause of the obstruction. Small blockages caused by things like hairballs or small pieces of plastic may be able to pass through the digestive tract on their own. However, larger obstructions or complete blockages usually require surgery.
In mild cases, your vet may recommend monitoring your dog closely and treating the symptoms supportively to see if the blockage can clear on its own. This may involve IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, pain relief, and restricted exercise. However, there are risks if a complete blockage does not resolve quickly and surgery is delayed. The intestine can rupture, causing septic peritonitis, which has a grave prognosis. Tissue can start to die off from lack of blood supply.
While very small obstructions may pass on their own, most vets recommend proceeding with surgery if a blockage is diagnosed. This provides the best chance of recovery and prevents a life-threatening emergency situation from developing. Only in the mildest cases or when the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits, is conservative management recommended. Careful monitoring by a vet is essential if attempting to resolve a blockage without surgery.
Survival Rates Without Surgery
The survival rates for dogs with blockages that do not receive surgery vary significantly depending on the location and severity of the obstruction. Some key statistics on survival rates without surgery include:
– Blockages in the stomach or upper small intestine have around a 50% survival rate without surgery, according to veterinary studies. However, many dogs that survive end up with recurring blockages later on.
– For blockages in the lower small intestine or large intestine, survival rates without surgery are estimated to be only around 25%. These types of blockages often progress quickly to become life threatening.
– Factors that increase the risks and lower survival chances without surgery include complete vs partial blockages, the presence of necrosis or perforation, vomiting and dehydration, older age, and concurrent medical conditions.
– While some blockages may resolve on their own, the prognosis is generally poor if emergency surgery is not pursued. Studies show mortality rates of 60-80% for intestinal obstructions without surgical intervention.
– Overall, surgery significantly improves the chances of survival and full recovery for dogs with severe blockages or obstructions of the digestive tract.
Pros of Surgery for Blockage
Surgery is often the quickest and most effective way to resolve a blockage in dogs. There are several advantages to pursuing surgery rather than waiting to see if the blockage will resolve on its own:
Quickly resolves the issue: Surgery immediately removes the blockage, allowing food and waste to pass normally again. This provides immediate relief for the dog.
Prevents complications: Blockages can lead to more serious problems if left untreated, like bowel rupture or septic peritonitis. Surgery prevents these potentially fatal complications.
Higher survival rate: Studies show dogs who undergo surgery for a blockage have a significantly higher rate of survival compared to those treated medically. Surgery greatly improves the prognosis.
Overall, surgery provides the quickest and safest way to resolve a blockage. It removes the obstruction right away, prevents complications from worsening, and gives dogs the best chance of making a full recovery.
Cons of Avoiding Surgery
While some blockages may pass on their own, avoiding surgery for a blockage comes with considerable risks. The main downsides of conservative treatment without surgery include:
Prolonged symptoms – Dogs with a blockage will continue experiencing vomiting, appetite loss, lethargy and other signs. This can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and further complications.
Serious complications – Over time, a blockage can rupture the intestines, cause necrosis, lead to septic peritonitis, or even prove fatal. Surgery is often needed eventually under emergency conditions.
Higher mortality rate – Studies show that avoiding surgery and opting for conservative treatment instead leads to significantly higher rates of death from blockages. The longer the blockage goes untreated, the higher the risk of a fatal outcome.
In most cases, prompt surgical intervention provides the best chance for recovery and prevents a simple blockage from becoming a life-threatening emergency. Trusting a blockage will pass on its own is generally ill-advised.
Aftercare If No Surgery
If a dog’s blockage is allowed to resolve without surgery, the aftercare is critical. The main components of aftercare include:
IV Fluids
Your vet will likely administer IV fluids to prevent dehydration and enable the body to pass the obstruction. IV fluids provide electrolyte balance and fluid volume. Your dog may need to stay at the vet clinic on IV fluids for several days.
Monitoring and Tests
Your vet will monitor your dog closely, running tests to check on the obstruction’s progress. Tests may include bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasound, and monitoring your dog’s symptoms. This helps determine if the blockage is resolving or if surgery becomes necessary.
Medication
Your vet may prescribe medication to help manage pain, nausea, and intestinal motility. Common medications include anti-nausea meds, GI motility drugs, antacids, and pain relievers. These can support your dog’s comfort and enable the body to pass the obstruction.
Dietary Changes
Your vet may recommend a bland, low-fat, high-fiber diet to enable the body to pass the obstruction more easily. Canned pumpkin or cooked sweet potatoes are gentle options. Avoid fatty foods, bones, and any irritants until the blockage resolves.
When to Seek Emergency Surgery
In some cases, a blockage can become life-threatening very quickly and require emergency surgery. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows any of the following signs:
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Signs of shock – Weakness, rapid heart rate, pale gums, cold extremities, collapse
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Bloating of the abdomen – An enlarged, tight abdomen may indicate a complete blockage or internal bleeding
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High fever – A high body temperature over 104°F could signal infection
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Vomiting blood – Vomiting blood indicates internal bleeding and requires emergency care
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Collapsing – If your dog collapses, loses consciousness, or goes into a coma, immediate veterinary attention is needed
These signs indicate a blockage has become complicated or life-threatening. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, as delaying surgery can be fatal.