Sable’s Fight for Survival: Emergency Surgery Removes Strangulated Intestine and Saves Her Life

One moment, Sable was her usual playful self. The next, she was yelping in pain and hiding under the bed, an alarming change that left her family concerned. When she refused food and seemed even more uncomfortable, they knew something was seriously wrong. A visit to their primary vet revealed an intestinal obstruction, and Sable was rushed to DoveLewis for emergency surgery.

An Unlucky Twist

Our team discovered that a strand of omentum (a fold of the abdominal lining) had wrapped around her small intestine, cutting off its blood supply and causing strangulation. 

With the blood supply blocked, about 12 inches of her intestine had died. We quickly performed surgery to remove the dead section and reconnect the healthy intestine. While losing this length wouldn’t affect her long-term nutrition, the real danger was the bacteria and toxins that had already leaked into her abdomen, leading to septic peritonitis—a serious and potentially fatal infection.

A Critical Recovery

Sable remained in our ICU, where she was closely monitored. Though her vitals were stable, her body had been through severe inflammation and infection, and it was too soon to know if she was truly out of the woods. She was receiving intensive supportive care, including IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain management, while we watched for any signs of worsening infection.

Her family visited, hoping for good news. It was still too soon to know, but if she continued to improve, we could begin removing her drains, and in the best-case scenario, she might be able to go home in a few days.

A Fighter Through and Through

Over the following days, Sable’s condition slowly improved. Though she was still very sick, her spirit remained strong. With round-the-clock care, she stabilized enough to begin eating again, and by the time she was discharged, her tail was wagging.

Sable’s family shared their gratitude, saying they truly believe she wouldn’t have survived without the expert care at DoveLewis. From the life-saving surgery to the compassionate support they received, they were overwhelmed with appreciation for the team that gave their girl a second chance.

Sable’s story is a testament to the power of expert care, quick action, and unwavering dedication. At DoveLewis, we’re here 24/7—whether it’s a life-threatening emergency like Sable’s, urgent care for those moments when something just feels off, or specialty care for ongoing conditions. No matter the situation, our team is ready to provide compassionate, expert veterinary care when pets and their families need us most.