GI Obstructions & Bloat: An Overview
Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, also called a Foreign Body, is when something ingested by the dog has a difficult time passing through the dog's GI tract. It slows passage down or stops movement entirely. Sometimes medical therapy can help the object pass but most of the time, surgical removal of the object is needed.
Bloat refers to the stomach being enlarged either from ingesting a large amount of food, or the stomach itself twisting in the body and filling with gas. In the case of food bloat, this can be treated with medical therapy, but the stomach twisting generally requires surgery to correct the issue.
Signs of GI Obstructions or Bloat:
- Vomiting
- Unproductive Vomiting or Retching
- Diarrhea/Straining to defecate
- Lethargy
- Noticeable change in size of body cavity
- Pain when abdomen is touched
- Temperature/Fever
- Dehydration
If you notice any of these symptoms, or believe your dog ingested an item that could cause an obstruction, please contact a veterinarian right away. These situations are considered emergencies and need attention as soon as possible. Contact Can Do Canines as soon as you are able; report emergencies by calling 763-331-3000, select option 3.
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