Catch Abdominal Blockages Early Save Your Pet's Life
- posted: Oct. 07, 2025
When pets swallow something they shouldn’t, like a toy, bone fragment, or string, it can lead to a dangerous abdominal blockage. This is a true emergency, and early detection can prevent death or lasting injury. At Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, CO, Dr. Patrick Kalenzi and Dr. Paul Veralli provide urgent care and, when necessary, life-saving pet surgery to treat blockages and protect your pet’s health.
Why Abdominal Blockages Are So Serious
An abdominal blockage occurs when food, liquid, or foreign objects cannot move properly through your pet’s digestive system. Left untreated, blockages can cut off blood supply, damage the intestines, and cause life-threatening infection. Pets with abdominal blockages often show signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or lethargy. Some may strain unsuccessfully to pass stool or seem restless and uncomfortable.
How Veterinarians Detect Blockages
At our veterinarian hospital in Broomfield, CO, we begin with a full examination and may recommend imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, to find the obstruction. Because time is critical, the sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin. Not every blockage requires surgery, but many do, especially if the object is sharp, large, or stuck.
When Pet Surgery Is Needed
If the blockage does not pass on its own, pet surgery may be the only way to safely remove it. During surgery, Dr. Kalenzi or Dr. Veralli make a small incision in the abdomen to locate and remove the object. Pets are placed under anesthesia, and careful monitoring ensures their safety throughout the procedure. After surgery, most pets need rest, pain management, and a gradual return to eating.
Supporting Recovery and Prevention
Recovery from abdominal blockage surgery usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the obstruction. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up visits to make sure healing goes smoothly. To prevent future blockages, it’s important to monitor what your pet has access to, especially if they’re curious puppies or cats who may chew or swallow non-food items.
Acting Quickly Saves Lives
The most important thing to remember is that early action saves lives. If you notice any warning signs of an abdominal blockage, don’t wait to see if it passes. Call Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, CO, right away. With the right care, many pets make a full recovery and return to their happy, playful selves.
Call the office of Dr. Patrick Kalenzi and Dr. Paul Veralli at (720) 669-4200.
- posted: Oct. 07, 2025
When pets swallow something they shouldn’t, like a toy, bone fragment, or string, it can lead to a dangerous abdominal blockage. This is a true emergency, and early detection can prevent death or lasting injury. At Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, CO, Dr. Patrick Kalenzi and Dr. Paul Veralli provide urgent care and, when necessary, life-saving pet surgery to treat blockages and protect your pet’s health.
Why Abdominal Blockages Are So Serious
An abdominal blockage occurs when food, liquid, or foreign objects cannot move properly through your pet’s digestive system. Left untreated, blockages can cut off blood supply, damage the intestines, and cause life-threatening infection. Pets with abdominal blockages often show signs such as vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or lethargy. Some may strain unsuccessfully to pass stool or seem restless and uncomfortable.
How Veterinarians Detect Blockages
At our veterinarian hospital in Broomfield, CO, we begin with a full examination and may recommend imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, to find the obstruction. Because time is critical, the sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can begin. Not every blockage requires surgery, but many do, especially if the object is sharp, large, or stuck.
When Pet Surgery Is Needed
If the blockage does not pass on its own, pet surgery may be the only way to safely remove it. During surgery, Dr. Kalenzi or Dr. Veralli make a small incision in the abdomen to locate and remove the object. Pets are placed under anesthesia, and careful monitoring ensures their safety throughout the procedure. After surgery, most pets need rest, pain management, and a gradual return to eating.
Supporting Recovery and Prevention
Recovery from abdominal blockage surgery usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the obstruction. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up visits to make sure healing goes smoothly. To prevent future blockages, it’s important to monitor what your pet has access to, especially if they’re curious puppies or cats who may chew or swallow non-food items.
Acting Quickly Saves Lives
The most important thing to remember is that early action saves lives. If you notice any warning signs of an abdominal blockage, don’t wait to see if it passes. Call Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital in Broomfield, CO, right away. With the right care, many pets make a full recovery and return to their happy, playful selves.
Call the office of Dr. Patrick Kalenzi and Dr. Paul Veralli at (720) 669-4200.
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605 Flatiron Marketplace Dr
Broomfield, CO 80021
