The following scenario happens often to puppies or dogs with a ''vacuum cleaner'' reputation. Out of nowhere, the dog starts to get inexplicably sick. After sustaining emergency surgery, the cause of the dog's malaise is retrieved: it swallowed the owner's pair of panty hose. This scenario is not uncommon, as each year veterinarians retrieve many unusual objects from dogs' stomachs or intestinal tracts.
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Causes
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Most commonly, the blockages derive from dogs ingesting rocks, balls, socks, coins and pieces of bones or toys.
Symptoms
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Because the blockage blocks the passage of food, dogs will not be able to hold down meals. Affected dogs will therefore vomit and will be unable to defecate. Many will have abdominal pain, will assume a hunched up position and will lose appetite.
Considerations
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While most dogs are unable to pass bowel movements when they are blocked, some may have diarrhea. This occurs because some liquid feces may make its way through the blockage. Also, some dogs may have partial obstructions where food and feces may make it through the obstruction, causing on-and-off symptoms.
Diagnosis
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Veterinarians will palpate the abdomen looking for signs of pain and distension. An X-ray can help detect the presence of any foreign bodies. However, sometimes objects may not be detected by X-rays; in these cases, the use of Barium in conjunction with radiography may be helpful.
Treatment
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If the object was ingested less than a couple of hours ago, the veterinarian may try to induce vomiting if it is safe to do so, otherwise the swallowed object can sometimes be retrieved by endoscopy. If more than a couple of hours have passed, or if the object cannot by grasped by endoscopy, surgery is the best option.
Warnings
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The most common victims of intestinal blockages are puppies and dogs under the age of two. It is recommended to keep a watchful eye on these dogs, never feed them bones and provide only safe chew toys.
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