Gastrointestinal Obstructions
Welcome to Goodna Vet, your trusted source for managing gastrointestinal obstructions in pets. When your pet swallows something they shouldn't, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and more serious health issues if not addressed promptly. Our skilled veterinary team is well-equipped to diagnose and treat these obstructions with expert surgical care. We understand the urgency of these situations and are committed to providing quick, compassionate, and effective treatments to ensure your pet's digestive health is restored. Learn more about our gastrointestinal obstruction services and how we can help your pet return to a happy and healthy life.
Understanding Gastrointestinal Obstructions and Surgery in Pets at Goodna Vet
What is a Gastrointestinal Obstruction?
A gastrointestinal obstruction is a blockage that occurs anywhere along the digestive tract from the oesophagus to the large bowel. These obstructions are typically found in the small intestine, the narrowest part of the tract. While dogs of any age can ingest objects leading to obstructions, such incidents are more common in dogs aged one to three. In older dogs, however, similar symptoms may indicate cancer.
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Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Obstructions
Identifying a gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs is generally straightforward, especially if the obstructing item is a bone, rock, or metallic object, which are easily visible on X-rays. Non-metallic items like seeds, rubber, or toy pieces might be harder to detect. In these cases, a barium contrast X-ray is used to confirm the presence of an obstruction.
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Treatment Options
Surgical removal of the obstruction is usually necessary. This involves an incision in the stomach or small intestine to extract the foreign object, followed by suturing the incision. If the obstruction has caused severe damage or necrosis of the bowel, the affected segment may need to be removed and the healthy ends reconnected. Such surgeries may necessitate an extended hospital stay.
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Cost of Procedure
At Goodna Vet, the cost for such surgeries typically starts from $2,700, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the required length of hospitalisation. This is significantly more affordable compared to the costs at specialist referral centres, which can be between $8,000 and $10,000, with daily hospitalisation fees adding substantially to the expense.
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​We do offer payment plans through credit providers. Please see our payment plans section for more information.
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Recovery and Aftercare
Post-surgery, pets usually go home within one to three days. Initially, they are kept on a liquid diet for 24 hours, gradually transitioning to carbohydrates like pasta, and eventually reintroducing their regular diet over the next couple of days. To prevent future incidents, it is advisable to temporarily remove any toys or objects that could pose a risk.
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At Goodna Vet, we are committed to providing expert care and comprehensive treatment for pets with gastrointestinal obstructions, ensuring they return to health as quickly and safely as possible.