Changes

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

 

====Biochemistry====

====Biochemistry====

*Hypochloraemia and hypokalaemia acid-base derangement is common in animals with upeer small intestinal obstruction.

*Hypochloraemia and hypokalaemia acid-base derangement is common in animals with intestinal obstruction.

*Metabolic alkalosis ± aciduria may occur with upper duodenal obstruction.

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Diagnostic Imaging===

====Radiography====

====Radiography====

*Plain abdominal radiography may be all that is needed to reveal the cause of the obstruction.  Gas and fluid accumulation may be visible due to intestinal dilation.  Decreased serosal detail indicates peritoneal fluid accumulation and free gas in the abdomen suggests perforated intestines.  Gravel sign due to food particle accumulation amay be present.   

*Plain abdominal radiography may be all that is needed to reveal the cause of the obstruction.  Gas and fluid accumulation may be visible due to intestinal dilation.  Decreased serosal detail indicates peritoneal fluid accumulation and free gas in the abdomen suggests perforated intestines.  Gravel sign due to food particle accumulation amay be present.  Displacement, bunching or plication may also be seen.

*Contrast radiography may be needed if ileus and obstruction cannot easily be distinguished.  However, this may not always be feasible in an emergency situation

*Contrast radiography may be needed if ileus and obstruction cannot easily be distinguished.  However, this may not always be feasible in an emergency situation

===Histopathology===

===Histopathology===

*Fine needle aspirate may be warranted before surgery if a mass is suspected, such as lymphoma.

*Fine needle aspirate may be warranted before surgery if a mass is suspected, such as lymphoma.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

===Stabilisation===

===Stabilisation===

Electrolyte and acid-base derangements are common in a vomiting animal.  These need to be addressed prior to anaesthesia.  Broad spectrum antimicrobials, such as a ampicillin or cephalosporin combined with metronidazole, are usually given prophylactically prior to surgery.  This is vital if there are signs of sepsis or intestinal compromise.

Fluid balance, electrolyte and acid-base derangements are common in a vomiting animal.  These need to be addressed prior to anaesthesia.   

 

Broad spectrum antimicrobials, such as a ampicillin or cephalosporin combined with metronidazole, are usually given prophylactically prior to surgery.  This is vital if there are signs of sepsis or intestinal compromise.

 

===Surgery===

===Surgery===

Once stabilised, the animal can be taken to surgery.  Removal or resection of the obstruction is required.

Once stabilised, the animal can be taken to surgery.  Removal or resection of the obstruction is required.

*Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''

*Hall, E.J, Simpson, J.W. and Williams, D.A. (2005) '''BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (2nd Edition)''' ''BSAVA''

*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.

*Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G. (2009) '''Small Animal Internal Medicine (Fourth Edition)''' ''Mosby Elsevier''.