Instructions
Recognize the signs and symptoms of obstruction. Intestinal obstruction causes vomiting, diarrhea that may contain blood, anorexia and weakness. Dogs with intestinal blockage also have abdominal pain and distension and may go into shock.
Call your veterinarian immediately. If your dog has the symptoms of intestinal blockage or shows signs of being seriously ill, bring your dog to your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic. The veterinarian may recommend that you restrict all food to your dog until diagnosed.
Answer the veterinarian's questions about your dog's eating habits or tendencies toward eating foreign objects as thoroughly as possible. The information you provide may reduce the time it takes for the veterinarian to diagnose a possible obstruction.
Examine the mouth, abdomen and rectum. The veterinarian will check your dog's mouth for evidence of foreign objects, such as strings, and palpate the abdomen for distension, pain or thickened bowel loops. The rectum is checked for signs of blood or diarrhea, according to Merck Veterinary Manual.
Take radiographs of your dog's intestinal tract. Radiographs may reveal the obstruction, foreign objects, accumulated fluid, gas and masses. An ultrasound may also be necessary to locate the obstruction and determine the type and severity.
Check the blood for electrolyte imbalance. The veterinarian may recommend a complete blood panel, to measure the levels of potassium and sodium as well as iron in your dog's blood. Intestinal blockages may cause dangerous imbalances of these minerals.
Aspirate the abdomen. If the veterinarian sees abdominal fluid in the radiographs or ultrasound, he may aspirate the abdomen to retrieve the fluid for analysis.
Perform an endoscopy to remove the foreign object. Depending on the cause and the location of the obstruction, the veterinarian may not be able to perform this procedure.
Surgically remove the obstruction. This procedure, known as a laparotomy, involves a veterinarian surgically opening the abdominal cavity to locate and repair the obstruction.
How to Treat a Canine's Intestinal Obstruction
Canine intestinal obstruction is an emergency condition and requires immediate veterinary treatment. It is often caused by a dog ingesting a non-food object, such as string, plastic or pantyhose, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Chicken bones and some chew toys may also cause intestinal blockage. Additionally, hernias, parasites, tumors and misalignment or twisting of the intestines are potential causes of partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstructions cause a portion of the intestinal tract to become strangulated and unable to receive blood flow. Toxins and bacteria accumulate in the stagnant portions of the intestines. Intestinal wall rupture and necrosis often occur if the condition remains untreated.