Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery Cost

Intestinal blockage, a condition that can affect dogs, may be stressful for pets as well as their owners. If you’re looking for information on intestinal blockage surgery costs for dogs, you’ve arrived at the right place.

In this article, we’ll examine intestinal blockage, along with its causes, available treatments, and the average cost for surgery to correct it. Ignoring intestinal blockage can lead to serious health issues, or even death.

With more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent and as a dog owner myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how crucial timely intervention might be to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

Key Takeaways

Gastrointestinal blockages usually occur when a dog swallows a large object it can’t digest.
On average, the cost of intestinal blockage surgery costs from $800 to $7,000.
Most pet insurance plans do provide coverage surgeries for conditions such as intestinal blockage.

What Is Intestinal Blockage In Dogs?

Intestinal blockage in dogs is a serious and possibly life threatening condition that occurs when something obstructs the flow of contents through the intestines. This can be due to tumors, the ingestion of foreign objects, or cases of intestinal twisting or intussusception, which is what happens when one part of the intestine telescopes into another part.

Symptoms And Diagnosis

The symptoms of intestinal blockage may differ based on the location as well as the severity of the obstruction. Common symptoms include:

Loss of Appetite: Dogs with intestinal blockage may lose their appetites.
Vomiting: This is very often the first sign of blockage, which may become more frequent.
Diarrhea or Constipation: Diarrhea may occur, especially if the blockage is only partial, but a complete blockage usually causes constipation.
Bloating: The abdomen may look distended or swollen.
Abdominal Pain: Dogs may show signs of pain and discomfort, groaning, hunched posture, or whining.
Dehydration: As vomiting continues, dehydration can become severe, and the dog will have lethargy, sunken eyes, and dry gums.
Lethargy: A lack of interest or energy for usual activities.

Diagnosis

If intestinal blockage is suspected, veterinary attention as soon as possible is critical. The veterinarian may perform these diagnostic procedures:

Physical Examination: Palpating (feeling) the dog’s abdomen to check for swelling or signs of pain.
Blood Tests: To check for infection, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances.
Ultrasound: To get a more detailed image of the intestines and help visualize blockages.
Barium Study: A special type of X-Ray where the dog swallows barium that will highlight the intestines and show a blockage.
X-rays: To see where the blockage is, or any swallowed foreign objects that may be causing it.

Causes

These are the most commonly occurring causes of intestinal blockages in dogs:

Foreign Objects: Foreign objects are the number one leading cause of intestinal blockage in dogs. Toys, bones, balls, socks, stones, or any other non-digestible material. This includes rawhide, by the way, so beware..
Intussusception: This occurs when a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part and causes a blockage, and is often seen in puppies.
Hernias: When a portion of the intestine protrudes through an abnormal opening, it can cause a blockage.
Strictures: Narrowing of the intestines due to inflammation or scar tissue.
Tumors: Abnormal growths in the dog’s intestines may cause blockages.

Treatment

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

Non-Surgical Treatment: In some cases, if the object causing the blockage is small and hasn’t yet caused significant damage, it may pass naturally without surgery. The veterinarian may recommend increased fluids, a diet high in fiber, or medication that will help move the object on through the dog’s digestive tract.
Surgical Treatment: If the blockage is severe, surgery is usually required to remove the obstruction. This involves making an incision in the dog’s intestine to remove the object causing the blockage, or even resecting a damaged section of the bowel.
Post-Operative Care: After surgery, dogs often need to be hospitalized for a few days in order to manage pain, monitor recovery, and prevent infection. The recovery period generally includes restricted activity along with a special diet for a few weeks.

Early intervention and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as necrosis, or death, of the intestines. If you see symptoms of intestinal blockage in your dog, consult your vet immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Much Does Intestinal Blockage Surgery Cost?

Intestinal blockage surgery costs can differ widely based on several factors, such as the geographical location of the clinic, the veterinarian’s experience and expertise, plus the surgical technique used. On average, the cost is between $800 to $7,000.

What Is Included In The Surgery Cost?

The total cost of intestinal blockage surgery typically includes several components. Here’s what is typically included:

Pre-Surgical Costs

Examination Fee: This is the initial consultation and physical exam by the vet.
Blood Tests: Preoperative blood work will help assess your dog’s general overall health, check for infection and dehydration, along with ensuring the dog is fit for anesthesia.
Diagnostic Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds, X-rays, or barium studies to confirm and locate the blockage.
Intravenous Fluids: IV fluids are used to stabilize the dog before surgery, especially if it is in shock or dehydrated.

Surgical Costs

Surgical costs usually cover anesthesia used during the procedure, the surgeon’s fee, and costs for sterile surgical instruments, drapes, sutures, gloves, and other materials.

Post-Surgical Costs

Hospitalization: After the surgery, your dog will probably need to stay in the veterinary hospital for observation during initial recovery. This ordinarily includes IV fluids, monitoring, and pain management, along with nursing care.
Medications: Post-op medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-nausea drugs.
Post-Surgical Care: Wound care, bandages, and possibly feeding tubes or special diets if the dog has trouble eating after the surgery.

Real-World Examples of Intestinal Blockage Surgery Costs In Dogs

VCA Animal Hospitals: VCA Animal Hospitals report that you can expect the cost to range from $2,000 to $8,000.
A-Z Animals: They report a general cost range of $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
Lemonade Pet Insurance: According to Lemonade, the cost of intestinal blockage surgery for dogs can range from $1,000 to $8,000 or more.

What Factors Affect The Cost Of Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Several factors can influence the cost of intestinal blockage surgery in dogs:

Complexity of the Surgery: The type and extent of the surgery required can impact the cost to a great degree. Surgeries that are more complex, with multiple incisions and/or removal of parts of the dog’s intestines, will usually be more costly.
Duration of Hospitalization: The length of time your dog stays in the hospital for pre- and post-op care typically adds to the total cost.
Dog’s Size and Health: Larger dogs might need more anesthesia and medication, which increase costs. In addition, if your dog has other underlying health issues, this may complicate the surgery along with the dog’s recovery, leading to higher costs.
Geographic Location: Veterinary costs vary depending on where you live. Urban areas or large cities with a high cost of living tend to have higher veterinary fees.
Veterinary Expertise: The experience and specialization of the veterinary surgeon may also affect the cost of the surgery. Specialists or vets who are board certified might charge more than general practitioner veterinarians.
Diagnostic Tests: Pre-surgery tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, and blood work may add to the total cost.
Post-Surgery Care: Medications, any additional treatments required during the recovery period, and follow-up visits can also add to the overall expense.

The cost of intestinal blockage surgery can vary widely based on various factors. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate the expenses and make informed decisions about your dog’s well-being.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Pet insurance coverage for intestinal blockage surgery varies by policy and provider. Generally speaking, the majority of pet insurance plans provide coverage for conditions such as intestinal blockage. There are some key factors that you should take into consideration when purchasing a pet insurance policy:

Hereditary And Congenital Conditions

A lot of comprehensive pet insurance policies that cover both accidental and health related issues will provide coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, including intestinal blockage. For example, Lemonade Pet Insurance generally covers the cost of intestinal blockage surgery, excluding coinsurance and deductibles, as long as the policy was in place before symptoms appeared.

MetLife Pet Insurance covers intestinal blockage surgery under its policies that include hereditary conditions, and advises pet owners to check for exclusions related to pre-existing conditions when purchasing pet insurance.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Most pet insurance policies will not cover pre-existing conditions. If your pet is diagnosed with intestinal blockage before you purchase the insurance policy or if it shows symptoms during the waiting period, the surgery probably will not be covered.

How Can I Save Money On Intestinal Blockage Surgery?

Saving money on intestinal blockage surgery for your dog is possible, through the use of various strategies:

First and foremost, think about getting pet insurance with coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, since this can largely offset the cost of a surgical procedure. In fact, having a comprehensive pet insurance plan in place could potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It’s very important to enroll your pet in insurance early in order to avoid any potential issues with exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Another way to save money is by looking into financing options or payment plans offered by many veterinary clinics. Some offer payment plans or financing options that are free of interest and can help you manage the cost over time by spreading payments. Also, check in your area for veterinary schools that may offer discounted rates for procedures performed by students under supervision.

What Breeds Are Typically Affected By Intestinal Blockage?

Some dog breeds are more likely to experience intestinal blockages because of their tendency to chew and then swallow foreign objects. Below are some of the breeds that are commonly affected:

These breeds are prone to have curious natures and strong chewing instincts, which can easily lead them to ingest items that cause blockages.

Is Surgery Required For Intestinal Blockages In Dogs?

Surgery is very often required for intestinal blockages in dogs, especially if the blockage is complete or is causing life threatening symptoms. The need for surgery depends on various factors, including the overall health of the pet and the location and severity of the blockage.

In some cases, a less invasive treatment such as endoscopy or medication may be tried first, before surgery. However, if these treatments aren’t successful, or if the blockage is causing significant distress, surgery is required for removing the obstruction and preventing further complications.

What Happens If Intestinal Blockage In Dogs Is Left Untreated?

Left untreated, a blockage in your dog’s intestines can cause life threatening problems, including decreased blood flow to the intestines, severe dehydration, and also enough damage to the intestines that the tissues die, resulting in rupture of the bowel.

How Can I Prevent Intestinal Blockage?

Proper Diet: Feed your dog an appropriate diet and avoid giving it bones or indigestible treats such as rawhide.

Monitoring Behavior: Be watchful if your dog likes to chew or swallow non-edible items.

Pet Proofing Your Home: Keep small objects such as toys that may be swallowed, along with other potentially harmful items, out of your dog’s reach.

FAQs

How much does a vet charge to fix an intestinal blockage?

Dog intestinal blockage surgery costs typically range anywhere between $800 to $7,000. The cost depends on how extensive the blockage and damage is, the types of medications required, the length of the hospital stay, along with other factors like where you are located.

What is the success rate of intestinal blockage surgery?

The success rate of intestinal blockage surgery in dogs is generally quite high, especially for simple cases. For surgeries involving a single incision into the intestines, for example, the success rate is over 94%. The success rate may vary depending on factors such as the location and size of the blockage, the dog’s overall health, as well as how soon the surgery is done after the blockage is identified.

If the surgery is more complicated, involving multiple incisions or removing parts of the intestines, the risk of complications rises. Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical for good outcomes.

Is intestinal blockage surgery for dogs worth it?

Intestinal blockage surgery for dogs can definitely be worth it, especially if the blockage is causing serious symptoms or is a life threatening risk. In many or even most cases, this surgery is a one-time thing and there won’t be a recurrence, especially if you monitor what your dog is eating and swallowing as much as possible. While as a pet owner, you want the best care for your pet, the fact is that veterinary care doesn’t come cheap. Pet insurance can save the day in the event your favorite canine swallows something he shouldn’t, by covering much of the cost for his medical treatment.

Sources

⇅

Definition of the day November 13, 2024

Dog Intestinal Blockage Surgery Cost?