Our Summary

Foreign objects getting stuck in the small intestine is a common issue in dogs, causing 80% of all their intestinal blockages. These blockages can cause problems in the dog’s body, such as changes in secretion, absorption, and intestinal movement. This can lead to serious issues like inflammation, infection, and organ failure. It’s tricky to diagnose these blockages using x-rays, but ultrasound scans are more effective.

Emergency surgery is usually necessary for dogs with these blockages. This is because it’s hard to tell how much damage the foreign object has done to the intestinal wall. There’s a risk that the intestine could tear, which can be life-threatening. Surgery also helps to prevent imbalances in the dog’s body caused by the blockage.

During surgery, a cut might be made in the intestine to remove the object, or a part of the intestine might be removed and the remaining parts joined together. Various methods, both subjective and objective, have been used to check the health of the intestinal tissue. These methods could help surgeons decide the best way to remove the object and could reduce the risks associated with surgery.

FAQs

  1. What are some of the health issues that can result from foreign objects blocking a dog’s intestine?
  2. How are blockages in a dog’s small intestine typically diagnosed and treated?
  3. How do surgeons determine the best method of removing a foreign object from a dog’s intestine?

Doctor’s Tip

After intestinal resection surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions closely. This may include taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, and avoiding strenuous activities. It is important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and make sure there are no complications. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns, contact your doctor immediately. With proper care and monitoring, most patients recover well after intestinal resection surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for intestinal resection include those with:

  1. Intestinal blockages caused by foreign objects
  2. Intestinal tumors or polyps
  3. Intestinal strictures or narrowing
  4. Intestinal perforations or injuries
  5. Severe cases of inflammatory bowel disease
  6. Intestinal volvulus or twisting
  7. Intestinal ischemia or lack of blood flow to the intestines

These conditions can cause severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. Intestinal resection may be necessary to remove the affected part of the intestine and restore proper function. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or surgeon to determine the best course of action for each individual patient.

Timeline

After surgery, the patient will undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may involve pain management, monitoring for any signs of infection or complications, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical incision. The patient may also need to follow a special diet and take medications to support their recovery.

In the weeks following surgery, the patient will gradually resume normal activities and slowly reintroduce regular food into their diet. It’s important for the patient to follow up with their healthcare provider for regular check-ups to monitor their progress and ensure that there are no complications or issues with healing.

Overall, the patient can expect to experience a significant improvement in their symptoms and overall health following intestinal resection. With proper care and follow-up, most patients are able to resume their normal activities and enjoy a good quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for needing an intestinal resection?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal resection surgery?
  3. What is the recovery process like after intestinal resection surgery?
  4. How will my diet and lifestyle need to change after the surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  6. How long will it take for me to fully recover from the surgery?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  9. What are the chances of the issue reoccurring after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?

Reference

Authors: Mullen KM, Regier PJ, Ellison GW, Londoño L. Journal: Top Companion Anim Med. 2020 Aug;40:100438. doi: 10.1016/j.tcam.2020.100438. Epub 2020 May 16. PMID: 32690289