Home » Diseases » In dogs » Intussusception (Intestinal Invagination)

Intussusception (Intestinal Invagination) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Intussusception, also known as intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. invagination, is a serious condition in which one part of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. telescopes into an adjacent section, leading to a blockage and potentially the death of the affected intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment.

The most important facts at a glance

Intussusception, also known as intestinal invagination, is a condition in dogs where one segment of the intestine slides into another, similar to a telescope. This condition often occurs in young dogs but can also affect older ones. The exact cause is often unknown, but irregular bowel movements, infections, parasites, or foreign bodies in the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. can play a role. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, and diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian, often supported by imaging techniques such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow.. Treatment usually consists of surgical intervention to untangle the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients., with a portion of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. needing to be removed in severe cases. SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. with fluid administration, pain medication, and antibiotics can promote recovery. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends heavily on the speed of diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is difficult, but regular deworming and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk. Research focuses on better diagnostic techniques and minimally invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. surgical procedures to speed up recovery and reduce complications. The role of the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. flora and genetic factors are also being investigated to improve understanding of the disease and develop preventive strategies.

Causes

Intussusception is a condition caused by the telescoping of one intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment into another, similar to a collapsible telescope. This condition often occurs in young dogs but can also affect older animals. The small intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. is most commonly affected, although the large intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. may also be involved in some cases.

The exact cause of intussusception is often unknown, although there are several predisposing factors. One of the main triggers is irregular bowel movement, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infestations, or inflammatory bowel conditions. These abnormal movements cause a portion of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. to slide into the adjacent section.

Another cause may be a foreign body in the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients., which disrupts normal passage and triggers invagination. In addition, tumors or polyps in the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. can lead to invagination, as they can serve as a “traction point” for the retraction of an intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment. PostoperativePostoperative refers to the time after a surgical operation. This phase includes recovery and the management of possible complications after the procedure. changes, such as scar tissue formation, can also increase the risk of intussusception.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of intussusception in dogs can vary but are often acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. and severe. One of the most common signs is vomiting, which can be both acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. and chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time.. This symptom occurs because the stomach contents cannot drain normally into the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients..

Another common symptom is diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., which may be bloody if the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. lining is damaged. Dogs with intussusception may also show pain in the abdominalThe term “abdominal” refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. area, which can be noticeable through restlessness, whimpering, or a hunched posture.

Loss of appetite and weight loss are also common symptoms, as the dog is unable to absorb food properly. In severe cases, dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. and general weakness can occur because the body cannot absorb enough fluids and nutrients.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of intussusception requires a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian, who will take the dog’s medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. and assess the symptoms. A physical examination may reveal signs such as abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain or a palpable mass in the abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. area.

Imaging procedures are crucial for diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. An X-ray may provide indirect evidence of invagination, but an ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. is often more informative because it can directly visualize the telescoping of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.. In some cases, a contrast X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. may be necessary to assess the degree of blockage.

In addition, blood tests can be performed to assess the dog’s general health and detect signs of dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. or infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. These tests also help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Therapy

Intussusception usually requires surgical intervention to untangle the affected intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment and restore normal bowel function. During the operation, the veterinarian will manually push back the telescoped intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a portion of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. if it is irreversibly damaged.

After surgery, the dog often receives supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., which includes fluid administration and pain medication, to promote recovery. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., especially if a portion of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. has been removed.

In some mild cases, especially if the invagination is detected early, a non-surgical treatment can be attempted by using an enemaAn enema is a procedure in which liquid, often water or a medicinal solution, is introduced into the colon via the anus. It is used for various purposes, including bowel evacuation before medical examinations or to treat constipation. to release the telescoping. However, this method is less reliable and is not commonly used.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for intussusception in dogs depends heavily on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated. Early intervention usually leads to a good prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop., especially if there are no serious complications.

However, if a significant portion of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. needs to be removed or if complications such as peritonitis occur, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. may be worse. Intensive aftercare is crucial to minimize the risk of relapse or other complications.

Long-term complications are rare but possible. These include adhesions in the abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. cavity or impaired bowel function. Regular monitoring and follow-up examinations are important to ensure the dog’s well-being.

Prevention

The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of intussusception is difficult because the exact cause is often unknown. Nevertheless, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk. Regular deworming can help prevent parasiticParasitic refers to diseases or conditions caused by parasites. Parasitic infections can affect the digestive tract, skin, and other organ systems. infections that can lead to abnormal bowel movements.

A balanced diet that is rich in fiber can also help promote intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. health and regulate peristalsis. It is important to avoid sudden changes in diet, as these can disrupt the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients..

Regular veterinary examinations are crucial to detect health problems early. If a dog shows symptoms such as vomiting or diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., it should be presented to a veterinarian immediately to allow for early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment.

Outlook on current research

Intussusception in dogs is a serious medical problem in which a portion of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. slides into an adjacent section of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients., similar to a telescope. This can lead to a blockage and impair the blood supply to the affected intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment. Current research focuses on improving diagnostic techniques to detect intussusception earlier and more accurately. UltrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. and endoscopic methods are being further developed to provide veterinarians with more accurate and less invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. tools.

Another area of research focuses on optimizing surgical techniques for the treatment of intussusception. Traditionally, surgical reduction is performed to untangle the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients., but new minimally invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. techniques are being investigated to speed up recovery and reduce postoperativePostoperative refers to the time after a surgical operation. This phase includes recovery and the management of possible complications after the procedure. complications. Laparoscopic procedures show promising results in clinical trials, as they require smaller incisions and shorten healing time.

Preventive measures are another area of research. It is being investigated which dietary and lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of intussusception. Some studies suggest that certain nutritional strategies that promote intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. health could reduce the risk of intussusception. Furthermore, the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for this disease is being investigated to understand which dog breeds are more susceptible and why.

The role of the microbiota in the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. is also being intensively researched. Scientists are investigating how changes in the bacterial composition of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. can affect the likelihood of intussusception. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. results suggest that a balanced intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. flora could play a protective role by supporting the health of the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. and reducing inflammatory conditions.

Future research also focuses on the development of new drugs that could help alleviate the symptoms of intussusception or even avoid the need for surgery. Medications that affect the motility of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. are being investigated to determine if they can help return the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. to its normal position without the need for surgical intervention.

Overall, intussusception in dogs remains an active area of research, with the goal of improving both diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment and ultimately increasing the well-being of affected animals.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is intussusception in dogs? Intussusception occurs when one part of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. slides into another section of the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients., which can lead to a blockage or obstructionobstruction refers to the blockage or narrowing of a hollow organ or canal, which hinders the normal flow of liquids or gases. In dogs and cats, an obstruction can occur in the digestive tract, airways, or urinary tract and often requires immediate medical treatment.. This can impair the blood supply to the affected intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. segment and often requires medical or surgical treatment.
What symptoms does a dog with intussusception show? Common symptoms include vomiting, abdominalThe term "abdominal" refers to anything that concerns the belly or the abdomen. It is an adjectival expression used to describe the location, symptoms, or conditions that occur in the abdominal area. pain, loss of appetite, diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., or bloody stools. The dog may also appear lethargic and show signs of discomfort. Early detection is important to avoid serious complications.
How is intussusception diagnosed? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made through a combination of physical examination, X-rays, and ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. examinations. In some cases, an endoscopic examination or a computed tomography (CT)Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create cross-sectional images of the body. It enables a detailed view of bones, organs, and other structures and is used for the diagnosis of injuries, diseases, and for planning medical interventions. scan may be necessary to confirm the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..
What causes intussusception in dogs? The exact cause is often unknown, but factors such as intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. parasites, inflammatory conditions, tumors, or a sudden change in bowel motility can contribute. Certain dog breeds or young dogs appear to be at higher risk.
Can intussusception disappear on its own? In most cases, intussusception requires medical or surgical intervention. Without treatment, the condition can lead to severe complications, including tissue damage or necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems..
How is intussusception treated? Treatment may involve surgical correction to untangle the intestineThe intestine is the medical term for the gut, including the small intestine (intestinum tenue) and the large intestine (intestinum crassum). It plays a central role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.. In some cases, a less invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. method, such as hydrostatic reduction via enemaAn enema is a procedure in which liquid, often water or a medicinal solution, is introduced into the colon via the anus. It is used for various purposes, including bowel evacuation before medical examinations or to treat constipation., may be attempted. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and the specific circumstances.
Which dogs are most at risk? Although any dog breed can be affected, young dogs under one year are more commonly affected. Certain breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Irish Setter, also appear to be more susceptible.
Are there preventive measures against intussusception? Preventive measures are limited, but a healthy diet and regular veterinary examinations can help reduce the risk. Controlling intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. parasites and avoiding sudden changes in diet are also important.
What is the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for dogs with intussusception? With early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is usually good. Untreated, however, the condition can cause serious complications that can be life-threatening.
Can humans also get intussusception? Yes, intussusception can also occur in humans, especially in infants. The causes and treatment methods are similar, although they differ in some details.

When to visit the vet?

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

You can find an interesting overview of gastrointestinalGastrointestinal refers to the gastrointestinal tract, a system that extends from the oral cavity to the anus and is responsible for the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. problems in dogs, supplemented with information on the intestinalIntestinal refers to the intestine, the part of the digestive tract that extends from the stomach to the anus. Intestinal diseases affect the small and/or large intestine. microbiome and the importance of probiotics, here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/