Understanding Canine Intestinal Obstruction: Causes and

Intestinal obstructions can be categorized into various types, including volvulus, intussusception, entanglement, and strangulation. Additionally, adhesions, extraintestinal tumors, inflammatory polyps in the intestinal wall, and obstructions caused by worms, stones, foreign bodies (such as bones, fruit skins, and cloth strips) within the intestinal lumen can all lead to mechanical bowel obstruction. Clinical examples of mechanical bowel obstruction are quite common, which is why a combination of surgical intervention, fluid replacement, and antiinfection therapy has proven to be highly effective.

动力性肠梗阻 occurs when there is a disorder of the intestinal wall's nervous system or inflammation and necrosis, leading to weakened or absent peristalsis.

血管性肠 obstruction refers to the occlusion of mesenteric arteries or veins, which hinders the blood circulation in the intestines, causing paralysis of the intestinal wall muscles and retention of contents.

Common symptoms include an initial refusal to eat, intermittent howling or groaning, vomiting, and rolling on the ground. There may be a decrease in defecation followed by complete cessation. Dogs may exhibit a pseudodefecation, but no stool is passed or coal tarlike stool is produced. Urine may become scanty and thick. Dogs may appear listless, with a loss of appetite, a preference for lying down, and a lack of activity. Persistent vomiting, thirst, sunken eyes, and decreased skin turgor may also be observed.

Upon abdominal palpation, the abdominal wall may become tense, and hard nodules in the shape of ellipses or cylinders may be felt. Resistance to palpation may cause discomfort, with the dog arching its back and sometimes adopting a crouched position. The dog may become restless and bite when pressed.

Auscultation reveals reduced bowel sounds.

Observation shows an increased abdominal circumference and difficulty breathing in the affected dog. Palpation reveals tension and groaning in the abdomen.

Upon Xray examination, the location of the foreign body in the obstruction can be visualized, with the intestinal loops distended due to the presence of fluid and gas.

Treatment:

The fundamental principle of treating intestinal obstruction is to remove the cause of the obstruction to improve dysfunctional conditions and systemic metabolic disturbances.

Medical treatment involves administering oilbased laxatives (5 mL) and liquid paraffin (5 mL) to dogs with foreign bodies already in the large intestine, allowing them to pass naturally. Enema therapy can also be used, with 25 mL of physiological saline and soap introduced into the intestines to facilitate defecation. Fluids should be replenished, such as intravenous injections of Ringer's lactate and 5% glucose solution (mixed in a 1:1 or 1:1.5 ratio), along with energy supplements (creatinine, vitamin C, ATP). Surgery can only be considered once lifethreatening symptoms have resolved and the animal is no longer dehydrated.

Surgeries: In cases of obstruction within a dog's intestines, immediate resection of the intestinal wall is necessary to remove the blockage. If necrosis has occurred in the obstructed intestine, the necrotic portion must be removed, and then an anastomosis of the intestinal ends should be performed.