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Digestivas

Intussusception (intestinal telescoping)

A segment of the intestine slides inside the next segment, like a telescope. It blocks the passage of contents and cuts off the blood supply to the affected section. It is a surgical emergency.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

URGENT: persistent vomiting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea, especially in a puppy, requires immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Persistent vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Diarrhoea, sometimes with blood
  • No bowel movements, or very few
  • Lethargy, rapid deterioration
  • Palpable lump in the abdomen

Causes

Common in puppies following a bout of gastroenteritis or a parasitic infection that increases intestinal movement. Also caused by foreign bodies or tumours.

Diagnosis

Abdominal ultrasound, which shows the characteristic target-shaped (bullseye) appearance.

Treatment

Emergency SURGERY to reposition or remove the affected section. The sooner it is done, the less intestinal damage occurs.

Prevention

Keep deworming up to date, and treat gastroenteritis promptly, especially in puppies.

When should you see the vet?

URGENT: persistent vomiting with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea, especially in a puppy, requires immediate veterinary attention.

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.