Boone’s All Better! A Story of Obstructions (And Successfully Removing Them!)
9-month-old Boone was already in trouble. This pup came into VetExpress Animal Urgent Care due to some serious vomiting, at which point our onsite X-rays confirmed the diagnosis: an obstruction was present in his intestine, and he’d need surgery to recover. Once we removed the rock from Boone’s intestine, he was able to return home the same day, and after a follow-up appointment for suture removal, it was clear he was feeling healthy again.
Our team was thrilled to deliver lifesaving care at a price point Boone’s owner could afford; comparable treatment at a corporate owned ER facility would have cost his owner twice as much, but we’re proud to say that we delivered swift results without compromising quality in the slightest!
The following blog will explore some of the specifics regarding obstructions in dogs, and hopefully, it will help you act quickly and achieve the same great outcome Boone got.
Why Do Dogs Just Eat Things…?
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, often leading them to explore their surroundings and ingest foreign objects. These accidental ingestions can result in more than just tummy upset: sometimes, they cause dangerous obstructions, and those require immediate veterinary attention.
Recognizing the Signs
If your dog is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign of a potential obstruction:
Diagnosis
To diagnose a suspected obstruction, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination. They may also order X-rays or an ultrasound to visualize the digestive tract and identify the location of the obstruction.
In some cases, a blood test may be necessary to evaluate your dog’s overall health and rule out other underlying conditions.
Surgery
If your veterinarian determines that surgery is necessary to remove the obstruction, as it was in Boone’s case, then they will carefully plan the procedure.
- The type of surgery will depend on the location and nature of the obstruction.
- In many cases, a laparoscopic procedure can be performed, which involves making small incisions and using a camera to guide the surgical instruments.
Suture Removal
After surgery, your veterinarian will provide guidelines for post-operative care, including suture removal.
- The timing of suture removal will vary depending on the type of surgery and your dog’s healing process.
- Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely to prevent complications!
Cost Estimates
The cost of removing an obstruction at a corporate-owned emergency facility can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
- The size and location of the obstruction
- The type of surgery required
- Any additional complications that may arise
- The specific facility and geographic location
While it’s difficult to provide an exact estimate, you can expect the cost to be substantial.
This is just one example ofhow VetExpress offers an important middle ground for time sensitive issues: in Boone’s case, we were able to act with the speed and precision required and deliver the optimal outcome, meaning his owner didn’t have to compromise on time, money, or quality.
Preventing Obstructions
To help prevent your dog from ingesting foreign objects, it’s important to be vigilant and supervise them closely.
- Keep harmful items, such as small toys, coins, and medications, out of their reach.
- Additionally, consider training your dog to avoid eating non-food items!
If you suspect your dog may have ingested a foreign object, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately. As usual, an early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and ensure a successful recovery.
At VetExpress Animal Urgent Care, our customized treatment plans, surgical procedures, and aftercare support are always executed with compassion and thorough consideration of all relevant medical history. Your emergency is our top priority, so if your pet is in need, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
