Intestinal blockages in a Shih Tzu can occur in either the small or large intestine. All ages of dogs are susceptible to this condition, and should be treated immediately by a veterinarian. Intestinal blockages will not go away without treatment, and typically require surgical intervention.
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Causes
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An obstruction in the intestine can be caused from eating an indigestible object that is too large to pass through the intestinal tract or an object that gets lodged. An abdominal or intestinal tumor can also apply pressure to the intestines, resulting in a blockage. Other causes include hernias, intussusceptions (when one part of the small intestine slides into another) or mesenteric torsion (twisting of the intestines). If the dog is prone to eating foreign objects, then its risk for intestinal blockage increases. Some intestinal parasites may be responsible for causing intussusceptions.
Symptoms
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Intestinal blockages can cause vomiting, fever, lethargy, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. The abdomen might feel swollen or hard to the touch and the dog might have trouble passing stool.
Treatment
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Treatment for the intestinal blockage depends largely on the cause of the blockage. A veterinarian will perform an abdominal X-ray to determine the source of the problem. If the blockage is the result of a foreign body, surgical removal will be necessary. Surgery can also repair herniated sections of the intestines and correct intussusceptions and torsions. If the intestinal section is damaged or punctured, it will need to be removed. The unaffected ends are then attached to each other. Additional treatment involves rehydrating the dog and treating any secondary effects of the blockage.
Recovery
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After correcting the intestinal blockage, the dog should be monitored closely. Restricted activity and a diet of bland food will be required postoperatively for several days. The dog's fluid intake should also be observed to prevent dehydration. The majority of dogs suffering from an intestinal blockage will recover completely after surgery.
Prevention
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Preventing an intestinal blockage due to ingesting a foreign object involves removing access to any objects the dog might be interested in eating, such as garbage. Properly deworming and vaccinating the dog can prevent intussusceptions caused by parasites.
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