Intestinal & Gastric Surgeries

Intestinal and gastric surgeries for dogs and cats are required in cases when there is a partial or complete blockage of a pet’s digestive track.

At Sploot, our experienced veterinarians will ensure that your pet gets the best possible care. We use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose gastric conditions and have extensive experience in veterinary surgeries.

An illustrative portrayal of a dog displaying its internal organs, offering insights into veterinary surgery
Open 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and walk-ins welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.
Open 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year... same day appointments and walk-ins welcome!
Primary and urgent care, under one roof.
Easily book online or text us.
Modern, warm clinics with unlimited free treats.

Common Gastric Problems in Pets

In addition to other potential causes, blockages can be due to the following:

Bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilation & Volvulus)
Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a medical condition and surgical emergency wherein the stomach becomes filled with air and twists. This condition is more common in dogs but rare cases of GDV in cats have also been reported. 

GDV is sudden, painful, life-threatening, and must be remedied quickly through GDV surgery — in order for the patient to survive..
GDVs can be prevented through a procedure called gastropexy. This is typically recommended for large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, Doberman Pinschers, and other similar breeds.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernias in kittens and puppies typically result from the incomplete closure of the umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias can also develop later on in a dog's or cat’s life, typically due to being overweight.

When a dog or cat has an umbilical hernia, it can be seen as a bubble or lump at the center of their belly.
It is recommended to surgically close umbilical hernias because a portion of the intestines can get stuck in them, which will result in a medical emergency that requires immediate surgery.
Ingestion of Foreign Materials
Some ingested foreign materials do not pass through on their own. This results in partial or complete gastrointestinal blockages — as well as diminished blood circulation to the affected area. These cases are often remedied with surgery.
Learn more about Surgery for Foreign Materials Ingestion
Tumors, Masses, Pyloric Stenosis, & Other Conditions
Tumors or masses in the gastrointestinal tract are abnormal growths that can cause blockages.
Pyloric stenosis is another medical condition, involving the thickening of the  stomach’s outlet (i.e. the pylorus), that causes a block in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

In cases requiring specialists, our team can connect you with appropriate specialist surgery offices. For more questions, consult our Pet Parent Concierge Team via phone or text.

Signs of Gastrointestinal Problems

It can be challenging to figure out the exact problem that a pet is facing — but in the case of gastrointestinal problems, knowing WHEN to bring your pet to the vet goes a long way. Watch out for these signs that your pet needs an urgent veterinary appointment:

Dry heaving
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Whining
Weakness
Bloating
Dehydration
Restlessness
Straining or unable to poop
Aggressive behavior when the abdomen is touched
Painful abdomen to the touch

Ready to scheduleyour pet's IG surgery?

What to Expect: Intestinal & Gastric Surgeries

Before the Operation: Diagnosis & Pre-Operative Preparation

Your pet will undergo a pre-operative appointment which includes the following:
01
A full physical exam is done (including blood work) to ensure your pet is medically fit for surgery.
02
Imaging tests may be used to confirm and locate the obstruction.
03
Other lab tests may also be conducted to determine the safest steps forward.
04
The veterinarian will recommend next steps which could any of the following:
(a) Go through an exploratory laparotomy (a full surgical assessment of the organs in the abdomen) at Sploot if needed;
(b) Have the surgery (e.g. GDV surgery, umbilical hernia surgery)  done at Sploot;
(c) Be referred to a specialist surgeon.
For surgeries handled in house in Sploot’s veterinary surgical suites, you will go through the following additional steps with us:
01
The veterinarian will give instructions as to when to stop feeding your pet on the night before the operation. (Please note that water can be given at any time.)
02
The veterinarian will orient you about the procedure itself and discuss any post-operative care that your pet may need.

During the Operation

On the day of the surgery, you will drop off your pet at Sploot. Throughout the procedure, we will send you live updates in the form of texts, photos, and videos, so that you can keep track of how your furry friend is doing.

After the Operation

For intestinal and gastric surgeries, it may be necessary to transfer your pet to a 24-hour hospital for a few days to recover. The vets will monitor vitals and ensure there were no complications during surgery. This also allows your pet to rest and recover before going home.

Got Questions?
We’re Here for You

Reach out to our Pet Parent Concierge Team with questions, whether it’s surgery, symptoms, scheduling, or something else!

Ready for Exceptional Veterinary Care?

We accept scheduled appointments, same-day appointments, & walk-ins.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do gastric & intestinal surgical procedures take?

This depends on the procedure that your pet will undergo. For gastric and intestinal procedures, the operation can take 1 to 4 hours. In any case, you will get a live update of how the procedure is going.

Does my pet need a pre-surgical consultation?

Yes. A pre-op appointment is crucial to ensure a successful and safe gastrointestinal surgery.

How much does my pet’s surgery cost?

The cost of a pet’s surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. Here at Sploot, we offer transparent pricing from the get-go. Reach out to our team today to learn more!

Does Sploot Veterinary Care accept pet insurance?

If your pet’s insurance includes intestinal and gastric surgeries, you may be able to file a claim and get reimbursement from your insurance provider.

It's important to note that different pet insurance plans will offer different scopes of coverage. For clarifications regarding your pet’s insurance, please contact your provider.

When can I schedule my pet for surgical consultation at  Sploot Vets?

If you suspect that your pet has a serious gastric or intestinal problem, we recommend reaching out as soon as possible. We accept same-day appointments and walk-ins in all of our clinics.

What payment options are available in Sploot Vets?

To ensure the safety of our clinic and clients, Sploot only accepts cashless payments. We happily accept all major credit and debit cards, along with CareCredit and ScratchPay.

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