Owners of dogs with a ''vacuum cleaner'' reputation should be extra careful in recognizing the early signs of intestinal blockages.

The list of objects retrieved from dogs each year is quite impressive and every now and then, even quite surprising. The most commonly found are: coins, bones, sticks, toys, socks, stones, buttons, balls, tampons and marbles.

Symtoms of Intestinal Blockage

The symptoms vary depending on the location of the blockage. The most common factor is the presence of vomiting, loss of appetite an difficulty defecating.

If the blockage is in the esophagus dogs likely be licking thier lips, swallow a lot regurgitate right after being fed (presenting indigested kibble in large pieces and often the vomit is of an oblong tubular shape) and often suffer from dehydration because unable to eat and drink properly. Because they are unable to keep food down, these dogs go down hill pretty quickly.

If the blockage is in the stomach, the pylorus is often blocked, causing the food to not make it through the intestinal tract. Episodes of vomiting therefore usually within a few hours after eating. The most common objects to create blockages in the stomach are large and smooth items such as golf balls, marbles and bones.

If the blockage is in the small intestine it means the object was able to make it through the pylorus but that it is getting stuck in the curvy areas of the small intestine. When this happens, gas accumalates causing the intestine to become distended and eventually the blood supply will be cut off causing the tissues to die. In this case, dogs wil develop vomiting soon after eating, abdominal pain,distended abdomen, fever, shock and even death if left untreated.

If the blockage is downer down the road towards the end of the small intestine, diarrhea is more common, however, vomiting may occur 7-8 hours later post eating.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians will start with a physical and therefore will palpate the dog's abdomen looking for signs of pain and distension. Often, the foreign object may be felt as well during palpation.

Treatment

If the foreign object was injested less than two hours ago, and the object is safe to bring back up, veterinarians may recommend to induce vomiting with 3% hydrogen peroxide. In some cases, if this does not work, the vet may administer more effective medications to induce vomiting.

if this does not work, the object can be retrieved with an endoscope armed with utensils made for grasping the object. This is helpful if the object is still in the stomach and if it easy to grasp. An x-ray will likely confirm the blockage but in some cases, like in objects made of plastic more reliable methods such as Barium tests are needed

Once the object has made its way through the pylorus and the small intestine, surgery is needed.

If there is necrosis (tissue death) of some parts of the intestine they need to be removed along with the foreign object and the two ends of the intestinal tract will need to be sutured back together.

Prognosis

Prognosis varies depending on the severity of the obstruction and the presence of complicating factors such as necrosis or peritonitis. Usually, most pets recover fine. However, post surgery, dogs must be monitored for any signs of leakage from the intestinal tract. Fever and abdominal pain should be reported to the vet immediately. A liquid diet is provided in the first days and then gradually mushy, soft foods are given until the dog is put back on a solid diet.

The dog may wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from chewing on his stitches.

How to Prevent Intestinal Blockages:

-Keep an eagle eye on your pet, it takes only seconds for them to wolf down a toy while you are turning your back. .

-Never give bones (especially rawhide) or unsafe toys to dogs with a vacuum cleaner reputation.

-Always make sure toys are larger than the dog's throat, therefore impossible to swallow.

This is something quite common. You look away from the table one second only to discover your dog getting into your chicken wings, As soon as you chase your dog, he swallows it whole. What to do in this case?

Cooked bones unlike raw bones are more likely to splinter. It helps to give some bread that will wrap around the bone hopefully protecting the stomach and intestinal lining.

All that remains to do in most cases, is just give it a wait and see approach.

Dogs that begin to appear listless, not interested in food, that start vomiting, have abdominal pain, bloody or tarry stools, strain to pass stools or just do not act normal, should be seen by the vet immediately.

The Most Dangerous Items Ingested

-Pennies

Pennies often are cause of intestinal obstruction in dogs but they also may cause zinc toxicity if they were minted after 1982.

-Strings

A string may appear like an innocent objects but often once in the intestinal tract the waves of movement from the intestines will cause the intestine to bunch up like an accordion. As the string gets tighter, it may eventually cut through the intestines.

-Alkaline Batteries

These if punctured by the teeth will release acids that may corrode the dog's throat and stomach. Dogs that have ingested alkaline batteries should not be induced to vomit as its contents are corrosive and cause more harm bringing them back up. Consult with a vet promptly or call poison control.

-Sharp Objects

Oddly, sometimes sharp objects pass uneventfully, because the intestinal tract ''detects'' their sharpness and does not spasm around them as it does with smoother objects. Should your dog swallow something sharp, it is best to give some bread as this will often ''cocoon'' around the object allowing it to possibly and hopefully to pass without much damage.

Did your dog eat something odd? Have some advice or a story to tell about what happened to your dog with a ''Hoover'' reputation? Any questions? Feel free to post in the comment section below!