Ileus

Ileus describes a state in which the normal, rhythmic movements of the intestines slow down or stop, without a physical blockage being present. The bowel itself is open, but the muscular contractions that push food, fluid, and gas along the digestive tract become weak or absent. This can occur after surgery, alongside certain metabolic disturbances, or in response to pain or inflammation elsewhere in the abdomen. Owners most often notice signs that suggest the digestive system has stalled: reduced appetite, bloating, discomfort, vomiting, or an absence of normal bowel movements. These signs can develop gradually or appear quite suddenly, and the pattern varies depending on which part of the intestine is affected and what triggered the slowdown. This page explores the signs that may accompany ileus, the mechanisms that can cause the bowel to lose its movement, how the condition is investigated, and the range of approaches used to support recovery. Each case unfolds differently, and the page is intended to help you understand what may be happening and what questions may be worth exploring.