Emergency surgery · Dogs and cats
Emergency surgery
Understand common surgical emergencies, what treatment may involve and what recovery can look like.
Guides for pet owners
Bowel blockage, damage and leakage
Swallowed objects, bowel blockage, repair and infection from leakage.Read the guide →
Abdominal bleeding
Bleeding inside the belly, including from a mass on the spleen.Read the guide →
Twisted stomach (GDV)
A swollen, twisted stomach that needs immediate emergency care.Read the guide →
Pyometra / infected uterus
A serious infection in the uterus, or womb.Read the guide →
Urinary blockage / bladder stones
Blocked dogs and cats, bladder stone removal and when a new urinary opening may be needed.Read the guide →
Veterinary teams: emergency referral checklists
Call the receiving hospital to confirm transfer and surgeon availability. Continue stabilization; do not delay transfer for additional tests or to complete a checklist.
Send available records using the receiving hospital’s referral process after calling. Sending records does not confirm transfer or surgeon availability.
Other abdominal emergencies
Urine leaking into the abdomen (uroabdomen)
An injury to the bladder or urinary tract can let urine leak into the belly. Surgery may be needed to repair the leak.
Ruptured gallbladder
If the gallbladder ruptures, bile can leak into the belly. Surgery may be needed to treat the leak.
For an urgent concern, call your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.