Intestinal Obstruction

What is Intestinal Obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction is when the normal flow of gastrointestinal contents is blocked by foreign material or abnormal tissue (inflammatory tissue, infectious tissue or cancer).

Ingestion of foreign material is more common in younger animals but can happen in any animal.

Cats but also dogs can ingest string or thread that can cause the intestine to bunch up. This type of foreign body can saw through the intestines as they attempt to push it through, which is causes severe intestinal damage with a poor prognosis if left untreated.

What are the clinical signs?

The most common sign is vomiting.

Other signs can include:
•    Anorexia (not eating)
•    Abdominal pain
•    Diarrhea
•    Weakness
•    Collapse
 

How do we diagnose intestinal obstruction?

A physical exam may reveal abdominal pain or distended loops of intestines.

Radiographs (x-rays) may show an enlarged or dilated stomach and/or intestines.  If a mass is present we may be able to see this as well.   Depending on the material, some foreign bodies may also be seen on the film (such as rocks and metal objects).

Objects that are not visible on radiographs may be seen on ultrasound.  Ultrasound can also show a dilated stomach or intestines. Most masses can be visualized and a sample may be obtained from a mass.

Blood work can show acid/base or electrolyte abnormalities that may aide in the diagnosis and assess the overall health status and secondary changes due to the obstruction.
 

How do we treat Intestinal Obstruction?

Obstructions can be life threatening if the GI tract ruptures or if the tissues die.  If the GI-tract ruptures, intestinal fluid will leak into the abdominal cavity.  This event causes a severe, life-threatening disease called ‘peritonitis’ – infection of the abdominal cavity.  To avoid this complication, foreign bodies should be removed as early as possible.

Exploratory surgery is needed to remove the obstruction and evaluate the stomach and intestines, in most cases.  Foreign bodies in the stomach may be removed with an endoscope (a camera and a grasping arm that is inserted through the mouth). 

Many foreign bodies can be removed by making a cut into the GI tract and removing the material. If a mass or abnormal tissue is present or if there is major damage to the tissue a portion of the GI tract may need to be removed.  This procedure may not always be possible depending on the extent of the mass.

Post operative monitoring for any signs of infection, the ability of the pet to eat and drink normally, and its hydration status and overall health is very important.  Therefore, we will keep your pet in the hospital for multiple days and support him/her with intravenous fluids and medications. 
 

Follow-up & Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the underlying cause of the obstruction and time before surgery.

Pets with foreign bodies that are caught early with no major damage generally have a good prognosis.

If the obstruction is caused by neoplasia (cancer) the prognosis depends on the type of cancer.  Some animals can live a long life if diagnosed with a benign cancer that is treated early.
 

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