What causes an intussusception in dogs? An intussusception is incited by abnormal motility (movement) of the bowel which can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, intestinal foreign bodies, dietary changes, intestinal tumors, and surgical procedures previously performed on the bowel.
How do you treat intussusception in dogs? Treatment of intussusceptions in dogs and cats is generally surgical. Occasionally percutaneous manual reduction of the intussusception may be successful and not recur. Surgical management involves either manual reduction or resection and anastomosis or both. Exploratory laparotomy is performed on the ventral midline.
How common is intussusception in puppies? The condition is most common in puppies, as 80 percent of intussusception cases occur in dogs under the age of one year old. Generally, the affected puppy will be under three months of age. It is not generally understood why this happens.
How do you prevent intussusception in puppies? Prevention of intussusception can be difficult, but promoting a healthy intestinal tract may help. Regular use of intestinal parasite prevention, gradual dietary changes, and ensuring your dog doesn’t eat foreign objects can help decrease the chances of this condition occurring in your dog.