Cat And Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery Cost 2024

Intestinal blockage surgery cost for cats and dogs may vary significantly depending on the specific procedure used, the severity of the condition, and the location. It  can be very distressing for both owners and pets. If you’re in the market for information on intestinal blockage surgery costs, you’ve landed in the right place.

In this article, we’ll examine intestinal blockage surgery, its causes, available treatments, and, most importantly, the surgical costs. Ignoring this condition can lead to more severe health issues, such as chronic eye infections or even loss of vision.

With over 15 years experience in the insurance industry, and as a pet owner myself, I’ve seen just how critical timely intervention in a medical emergency is to ensure your pet’s health and well being.

This surgery usually involves a procedure called an exploratory laparotomy. The vet opens the animal’s abdomen, finds the blockage, and then removes it. After the blockage has been removed, the veterinarian will examine the intestinal tissue to see if it has sustained permanent damage.

Foreign body removal may also be performed endoscopically occasionally, without open abdominal surgery.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

Symptoms of an intestinal blockage in dogs and cats may include:

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Whining
• Restlessness
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Straining or inability to poop
• Painful abdomen with possibly aggressive behavior when touched

If a cat or dog is suspected of having an intestinal blockage, the vet will ordinarily perform a physical exam and might use imaging techniques like ultrasounds or X-Rays as a means of confirming the diagnosis.

If the blockage is closer to the stomach, it can cause vomiting, while a blockage closer to the tail can cause diarrhea.

Causes

The necessity for intestinal blockage surgery might be caused by a variety of things. For example, it might be from a tumor, growth, twisted section of bowel, food, long linear objects like string, parasites, inflammation, torsion or twisted gut, hernias, scar tissue, perforations or scar tissue.

If an animal swallows something that can’t pass through the digestive system, it will have to be removed surgically.

Treatment

Treatment options for intestinal blockage surgery include both non-surgical and surgical methods:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Supportive care may be attempted, which might include pain medication, intravenous fluids,  antibiotics, and nutritional support. Treatment might involve feeding an easily digested diet, withholding food completely for a brief time, and offering small amounts of water often.

Home Remedies

In some cases, stomach blockage home remedies like light exercise, herbs, high fiber foods, and hydration, are recommended when trying to allow a cat or dog to pass foreign objects naturally without resorting to surgery. These remedies should be used only under the close supervision of your vet.

Surgical Treatments

The treatment of choice in most cases of intestinal blockage in dogs and cats is abdominal surgery. X-Rays and ultrasounds may help identify what sort of foreign object is causing the obstruction, as well as its size and location.

If the vet sees that the cat or dog is not going to be able to pass the foreign object naturally, surgery is the only option.

How Much Does Intestinal Blockage Surgery Cost?

On average, pet owners should expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 on intestinal blockage surgery for dogs and cats.

Intestinal blockage surgery costs can vary widely based on several factors, including the geographical location, the veterinarian’s specialty or experience, pre-operative as well as post-operative care, medications, follow-up visits, size and age of the animal, severity and location of the blockage, diagnostic tests including blood work, X-Rays and ultrasounds.

What Is Included In The Surgery Cost?

The complete cost of intestinal blockage surgery for cats and dogs usually involves several factors:

• Pre-Operative Exam: This exam includes an initial consultation and diagnostic tests needed to confirm an obstruction, such as X-rays, blood tests, and/or ultrasounds.
• Surgery: Cost of the actual procedure to remove the intestinal blockage.
• Anesthesia: Cost of anesthesia is ordinarily included in the cost of the surgery. The price may vary based on the size as well as age of the act or dog, and the length and complexity of the surgical procedure.
• Post-Surgery Care: Includes necessary medications such as antibiotics, pain meds, or anti-inflammatory meds, hospitalization and follow-up visits.
• Other Costs: There may be other added costs in the case of  complications, or if the pet has underlying health issues that must be managed.

Real-World Examples Of Intestinal Blockage Surgery Costs

VCA Animal Hospitals:  Costs range from $2,000 to $10,000 for intestinal blockage surgery. More complex cases or those requiring specialized care may be higher​.
Lemonade Pet Insurance: This company provides an average cost of $2,000 to $10,000 for intestinal blockage surgery for dogs and cats. They offer policyholders a reimbursement percentage of 70%, 80% or 90%.

A-Z Animals: A-Z Animals states a generalized cost range of $2,000 to $10,000, but the price may vary depending on several things including the age and size of the pet, its overall health condition, the location of the veterinary clinic, the severity and type of the blockage, and more.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of intestinal Blockage Surgery?

The total cost of intestinal blockage surgery for cats and dogs may vary depending on several factors. A good understanding of what these factors are can help you anticipate and plan for expenses, plus make you better able to make informed decisions regarding the care of your pet.

• Severity of Blockage: If the blockage is severe or has caused damage to the surrounding tissues, the surgery will probably be more complicated and more costly.
• Overall Health and Size of the Pet: The size of your cat or dog may affect the cost of surgery because larger sized animals usually require more resources such as anesthesia during surgery. If your pet has underlying health issues, this might complicate and increase the cost of the surgery.
• Type of Surgery: The specific surgical procedure performed to treat the blockage can influence the cost. Some intestinal blockages might need more complex or invasive surgeries, making it more costly.
• Veterinary Clinic: Costs may differ significantly from one veterinary clinic to another. Some might have more technologically advanced equipment or more experienced staff, resulting in higher costs.
• Geographical Location: The price of veterinary care can differ greatly based on where you live. Veterinary care tends to be more costly in urban areas such as large cities as compared to rural areas.
• Hospital Stay: The length of time your dog or cat has to be hospitalized both before and after the intestinal blockage surgery can also affect the total cost. Longer stays typically mean higher costs.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Yes, pet insurance usually covers intestinal blockage surgery for cats and dogs. The coverage varies according to the policy as well as the insurance provider. Always read through a policy carefully to make sure there are no exclusions that could affect your pet’s benefits and coverage.

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

Many comprehensive pet insurance policies provide coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, including intestinal blockage surgery. For instance, Lemonade Pet Insurance usually covers the cost of intestinal blockage surgery for cats and dogs, excluding any deductibles and coinsurance, provided that the policy was purchased and the waiting period over before any symptoms appear​ed.

MetLife Pet Insurance also covers intestinal blockage surgery for dogs and cats under its policies that include hereditary conditions. Pet owners are advised to check for exclusions for pre-existing conditions​​.

Pre-Existing Conditions

It is rare for a pet insurance policy to cover pre-existing conditions. If your dog or cat was diagnosed with an intestinal blockage before you secure the policy, or shows symptoms of a blockage during the waiting period, the surgery probably will not be covered​​.

Curable Pre-Existing Conditions: Some pet insurance companies will cover what they consider curable pre-existing conditions, as long as there hasn’t been a recurrence in at least a year.

How Can I Save Money On Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Saving money on intestinal blockage surgery for your dog or cat can be managed by using various strategies.

First of all, think about purchasing pet insurance that has coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, as it can help offset the cost of a very pricey surgical procedure. Numerous comprehensive pet insurance policies cover the cost of surgery after you pay your deductible and co-insurance, which could easily mean a savings of hundreds or thousands of dollars. It would be wise to enroll your pet in insurance early on so as to avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Another way that might help you shave dollars off the cost of intestinal blockage surgery for your pet is to check into financing options or payment plans that are sometimes offered by veterinary clinics. Some clinics offer financing options or payment plans that are interest free and help you manage the cost by spreading it over a period of time. Also, look for veterinary schools that offer discount rates for supervised procedures performed by students.

What Breeds Typically Require Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Intestinal blockage is a fairly common problem with dogs and cats alike, and no breed is exempt from it. But, certain breeds might be more susceptible because of their diet, genetic predisposition, or size.

These dog breeds are prone to gastrointestinal diseases, which can in turn lead to the necessity for an intestinal blockage surgery.

• Rottweilers
• American Pit Bull Terriers
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds

These sporting breeds are often seen for intestinal blockage issues:

Sporting Breeds

• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Golden Retrievers
• English Springer Spaniels

• Labrador Retrievers

Other Affected  Breeds

These breeds are predisposed to intestinal blockage surgery

• Terriers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Collies
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cat Breeds Prone To Intestinal Blockages

Certain breeds of cats, particularly longhaired breeds, are more likely to undergo intestinal blockage surgery. Here are some breeds that experience more digestive and intestinal issues:

• Maine Coon Cat
• Persian Cat
• Manx Cat
• Himalayan Cat
• Scottish Fold Cat
• Balinese Cat
• Somali Cat
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Turkish Angora
• Ragdoll Cat

Is Surgery Required For Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Yes, intestinal blockage surgery in both dogs and cats is almost always required. When an animal has a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract because it has ingested a foreign object, emergency surgery is usually necessary in order to remove the object and any adjacent damaged tissue.

For cats, intestinal blockage surgery typically involves removing the obstruction, which might be a hernia, growth, tumor, or foreign object, and then  repairing any damage that may have occurred to its gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

For dogs, an incision is made into its abdomen near the site of the blockage and the object is extracted. The dog will ordinarily stay at the hospital for a few days following surgery to recover.

Please note that the necessity for surgery may depend on the age and health of the pet. Along with the severity of the blockage.

What Happens If Intestinal Blockage Surgery Is Left Untreated?

If a cat or dog has a blockage and doesn’t have intestinal blockage surgery, it could lead to serious and life threatening complications, including:

• Damage to the Intestinal Wall: The blockage can cause damage to the intestinal wall, leading to tissue death.
• Bowel Rupture: If the tissue dies, it can result in a bowel rupture.
• Sepsis: Bowel rupture can lead to fatal sepsis.
• Decreased Blood Flow to the Intestines: The pressure from the blockage can decrease blood flow to the intestines.
• Severe Dehydration: The blockage prevents the absorption of water, leading to severe dehydration.

These complications can lead to extensive pain, discomfort and even death for the pet..

How Can I Prevent Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Perhaps the best way to prevent intestinal blockage surgery for your cat or dog is to do what you can to prevent them from needing it.

A safe play environment, along with keeping a close eye on what your pet ingests, can save both you and your pet from this expensive and unpleasant ordeal.