Gastrointestinal Obstruction

The gastrointestinal tract can become either totally or partially obstructed. The patient will become extremely ill if they are completely obstructed due to the intestines or stomach becoming dilated from accumulation of food and gas. Pets that are partially obstructed will be able to pass some intestinal contents, but will still become sick.

Any foreign object that a patient swallows has the ability to obstruct the gastrointestinal tract. This is more common in puppies, but cats are notorious for playing with string and swallowing it. This will cause a unique type of obstruction. Rarely, cats can develop hairballs large enough to cause obstructions. Benign or cancerous masses can also grow large enough to block the stomach and intestines.   

The severity of symptoms will depend on the degree of blockage. All patients will vomit, and patients with partial obstructions can still have bowel movements. Most patients have a tender abdomen and dilated intestines can sometimes be felt by the veterinarian. Some patients still eat, but usually vomit soon after eating. Some patients do not eat at all and are still vomiting bile or water. Cats may actually have part of a string under the tongue seen on physical exam.

Patients with complete obstructions must have surgical intervention. The earlier the surgery is performed, the better the prognosis. If the obstruction is allowed to exist for several days, the intestines or stomach around it will begin to die and have to be surgically removed. This calls for longer surgery and recovery time.Pets will partial obstructions have 2 choices. Surgery is always an option, especially if the object is large and it is questionable whether or not it will pass naturally. If the object is known to be small and smooth (i.e. small pebble, marble, hairballs) and it has the potential to pass, oral lubricants may be prescribed. This can encourage the foreign body to pass, but is definitely the least desired treatment.