A Rough Timeline of When Blockage Symptoms Show Up
Considering that the transit time for items to move through the gastrointestinal tract is anywhere between 10 and 24 hours, no matter what it is—a tampon, corn on the cob, or chicken bone. The symptoms of an intestinal blockage generally occur within 24 hours after swallowing the problematic item.
However, depending on where the item lodges, the time frame may vary—the earlier in the system the item is lodged, the sooner symptoms will emerge.
If the blockage is in the esophagus, symptoms appear rather quickly after swallowing the object. Affected dogs will likely:
They also often suffer from dehydration because theyre unable to eat and drink properly. Because they are unable to keep food down, these dogs go downhill pretty quickly.
If the blockage is in the stomach, the pylorus is often blocked, which will prevent food from making it through the intestinal tract. Therefore, episodes of vomiting will usually occur within a few hours after eating. The objects that most commonly create blockages in the stomach are large smooth items, such as golf balls, marbles, and bones.
If the blockage is in the small intestine, the object was able to make it through the pylorus but got stuck in the bends of the small intestine. When this happens, gas accumulates, causing the intestine to become distended. Eventually, the blood supply may be cut off, causing the tissues to die.
In this case, dogs will begin vomiting soon after eating and display symptoms including:
This can even lead to death if left untreated.
If the blockage is further down the road, towards the end of the small intestine, diarrhea becomes a more common symptom. Vomiting may still occur but will take place 7-8 hours after eating.
What are the symptoms of intestinal blockages in dogs?
How do you determine whether your dog has an intestinal obstruction? Unless you have seen your dog swallow a foreign object, symptoms of dog intestinal blockage are usually dismissed as an upset stomach. Symptoms include the following:
If you think your dog ingested something suspicious or they are exhibiting the symptoms listed below, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Bowel Obstruction
If you don’t happen to catch your pooch in the act of raiding your trash can or laundry hamper — as is most often the case — you might get clued into the fact that your dog swallowed something he shouldn’t have if he is vomiting or retching or straining to defecate.
Your dog may also be lethargic, and show signs of a painful or tense abdomen. “Some pets will grunt and have a lot of gas when the abdomen is pressed upon,” Dr. Howard explains.
Dr. Bourquin notes that if your dog is continuing to eat normally but not passing stool, that’s a clear indication that a bowel obstruction in dogs might be at play. “Vomiting is always the first clue, but if your dog is either having diarrhea — or not passing stool at all — that can also indicate an obstruction,” he says.
Once your veterinarian rules out conditions like pancreatitis, Dr. Howard explains that treatment for bowel obstruction in dogs may include supportive care with continuous IV fluid therapy, pain management, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and GI supportive medications such as anti-nausea and protective antacids. “If the cause was not thought to be digestible or passable with this approach, then surgical removal through a ventral mid-line incision is needed to identify the obstruction,” he explains.
If caught early enough, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting to help your pet regurgitate whatever he or she ate before it has the chance to pass into the intestines and get stuck. In some cases, an endoscopy can also be performed in an attempt to retrieve the item. “A radiograph may be used to spot dense items like rocks, coins and bones, but if your dog managed to eat a plastic bag of piece of diaper, it may only show up on an ultrasound,” Dr. Bourquin says.
Dog Eats a Sock: Obstruction Signs and 3 Remedies
Most dogs simply can’t resist the allure of an open garbage can, or deny their natural canine instincts to devour plush toys. But, unfortunately, if Fido manages to snatch a leftover chicken bone or plays a little too rough with his squeaky toys, it can lead to a bowel obstruction: a blockage of the GI tract that prevents food and blood flow to the bowels and causes your four-legged friend a great deal of pain. Let’s learn more about bowel obstruction in dogs — and how to handle a bowel obstruction in dogs.