Gastrointestinal obstruction is the partial or complete blockage of the flow of nutrients and/or secretions from stomach into or through the intestines. Any obstruction in stomach or intestines is referred to as gastrointestinal obstruction.
“Gastro” refers to the stomach, “intestinal” refers to the small intestines (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), and “blockage” refers to anything that obstructs the normal flow through these organs. This could be a foreign body, such as a toy, rock, rawhide or other type of bone, socks, rubber bands/ strings, or any other strange object a pet may ingest. It could also be the result of a mass or inflammation inside the stomach or intestines.
It is a common conditions in dogs due to their indiscriminate eating habits. Dogs are not picky eaters. In fact, they can eat almost anything. Due to this behavior, they suffer more commonly with GI obstruction.
Regardless of whether they are partial or complete, GI obstructions cause food and fluids to accumulate upstream from the blockage site. This not only creates a physical barrier to normal digestive flow but also compromises the blood supply to sensitive GI tissues, which quickly become fragile and predisposed to perforating.
The observable symptoms of GI obstruction may vary depending upon where the obstruction is located and whether it is partial or complete. However, most dogs with GI obstructions develop one or more of the following clinical signs:
Vomiting, which is always accompanied by forceful abdominal contractions, is the hallmark of gastrointestinal obstruction.
Dehydration
Depression
Lethargy
Weakness
Malaise
Abdominal discomfort and pain (biting at the belly; going into a praying position)
Diarrhea
Dark, tarry stools (due to the presence of digested blood; melena)
Reduced or infrequent passage of feces (with a partial blockage, feces may continue to pass normally
Straining to defecate
Burping
Abdominal bloating; gas accumulation
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Excessive drooling
