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Why did my vet perform surgery on my puppy when no blockage was found?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed

Why would vet take a 12 month old pup to surgery , dye was use no blockage , was sick one with foam Material small amount has been on a drip for two days

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Boo!

I am sorry that Boo is so sick! I would assume that your Vet took Boo to surgery because they felt that she had a blockage. We always weigh the pros and cons of doing an exploratory surgery and never do it unless the evidence is strong. Sometimes we are between a rock and hard place because the animal is not improving and it is best to look and be sure that the X-rays and barium series (dye) didn't miss anything. No imaging modality is perfect. The only way to know 100% for sure there is nothing stuck is to go look. I ALWAYS warn owners, despite clear evidence, that we could go in and find nothing. It happens all the time. Personally I'd rather find nothing that have animal pass away because of an intestinal perforation from a foreign body that I could have fixed.

I am very sorry that the outcome wasn't what you hoped for but I would rest assured your Vet is doing what they believe is in the best interest of Boo.

I hope this helps and I wish Boo the very best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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