Vomiting Vomiting is defined as an active expulsion of stomach and intestinal
contents, and is differentiated from regurgitation, which is a passive process
characterized by lack of abdominal push. Occasionally material from the duodenum
of the small intestine also accompanies the stomach (gastric) contents.
Chronic vomiting is characterized by persistent or recurrent vomiting
for more than two weeks. Although most of us think that vomiting
is a sign of stomach problems, vomiting can be associated with disease in
almost any body system, including the central nervous system, kidneys, pancreas,
and liver. A detailed history provided by the pet owner regarding duration
of vomiting and character of the vomitus, coupled with age and species, are
the cornerstones of diagnosis. Vomiting may be caused by inflammation
of the stomach (gastritis), and often happens when dogs eat grass or spoiled
food (Dietary indiscretion (eating inappropriate food/material)).
In general, we classify vomiting
in the broad categories of acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long term).
This helps us narrow down the possible causes and guides further diagnostic
tests. Many times, the cause of vomiting is obvious (e.g., the puppy who
has swallowed a toy or an old cat with kidney disease). Occasionally, your
veterinarian must play the role of detective to find the more obscure or
hidden reasons for the vomiting. A minimum data base-consisting of white
and red blood cell count, complete biochemical profile and urinalysis-are
crucial pieces of information gathered on almost every vomiting animal to
aid in the diagnosis process. Additional testing often includes x-rays of
the abdomen, ultrasound of the abdomen, and additional blood tests.
If these tests do not yield a definitive diagnosis, more extensive work-up
is required. Endoscopy, laparoscopy, and surgical exploration may be necessary
to establish a diagnosis, and consultation with experts in a variety of specialties
assists in guiding further diagnostic tests and establishing treatment protocols.
Other factors which may
cause vomiting
Dietary intolerance
Infectious agents, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites
Drugs and certain toxins
Obstruction/blockage of the stomach or intestinal tract
Metabolic diseases such as liver and kidney disease, or hypoadrenocorticism
Abdominal disorders such as pancreatitis, abdominal tumors and adhesions,
etc.
Motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that prevent the
posterior movement of food
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Miscellaneous conditions such as gastric/duodenal ulcers, hiatal hernia,
constipation, etc.
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract
An occasional bout of vomiting
is common in dogs, uncomplicated
gastritis, where the dog is alert and has no fever, is best treated without
drugs. Persistent,
chronic vomiting is usually indicative of an underlying disease. Chronic
vomiting often leads to decreased absorption of nutrients and subsequent
weight loss. Diarrhea may also accompany the vomiting.
The following are complicating factors you should evaluate before
attempting treatment of your pet at home:
Fever: 101-102 F is the normal rectal temperature in cats and dogs
Very young , very old, diabetic, or chronically debilitated animals;
nursing or pregnant pets
Abdominal pain
Dehydration ( dry mouth and gums, poor skin tone)
Pale mucus membranes ( gums and surrounding eye tissues should be
pink)
Difficulty exchanging air when breathing
Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea ( not just one or two bouts)
Suspected toxin ingestion like antifreeze, rat bait, medications,
toxic plants etc.
Severe bleeding
A rapid decline in the pets attitude
Central nervous system signs like staggering, seizure, weakness
If vomiting continues
more than 24 hours, or if any of the signs above are present veterinary
attention is needed.
If these complications are
not present, then try these simple techniques:
For Occasional Vomiting Step 1 The digestive
tract needs complete rest. Withhold all food for 12 – 24 hours, then gradually
introduce a bland diet. Allow no water until your
dog has gone at least six hours without vomiting. Then offer small
amounts of water at a time. It is probably easier to use a syringe at
this time to monitor how much is being kept down.
Step 2
Begin with very small amounts of water at frequent intervals. If there
is more vomiting, go back to stage 1 for another six hours. Do not be discouraged.
The stomach often needs complete rest for twenty four hours or more. Offer
water every 15 minutes or so. Give a German Shepherd about two tablespoonfuls.
Over a period of a few hours gradually increase the amounts offered until
your dog's thirst is satisfied. If you wish, give clear liquids such as
chicken broth. After at least 12 hours, when your dog's thirst has
been satisfied, you may begin giving small amounts of food. If your animal isn't interested in eating
they're telling you something, DON'T EAT YET IT'S TO SOON!
Bland diet for vomiting dogs
Mix one and a half cups of cooked white rice with one half cup of
cooked chicken or turkey meat (no grease, no skin).
Step 3
Begin offering small amounts of bland, easy to digest food.
A large dog can have as much as a tablespoonful. Over a period of
twenty four hours, gradually increase the amounts being fed until your
dog's hunger is satisfied. Do not rush things. If vomiting occurs now,
you must start over from the beginning.
Step 4
The following day, begin mixing the bland diet half and half with
your dog's normal food. Instead of one or two big feedings, divide the
normal amount into four or five small feedings.
If all this fails, and reoccurrences are evident, you now have a
prolonged complicated condition and your pet needs to see the vet.
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Diarrhea Although most causes of diarrhea are related to disease of the gastrointestinal
tract, occasionally it is a manifestation of disease processes arising in
organs such as the liver and pancreas. Diarrhoea is officially defined
as an increase in the volume and/or fluidity of faeces or an increase in
the frequency of defecation. Diarrhoea occurs due to changes in the
cycle of fluid absorption and secretion across the intestinal wall between
the bowel lining and the systemic system. Movement of fluid, nutrients
and chemicals across the intestinal wall can be by osmosis (passive) and
active with chemical pathways, vitamins, bacteria and energy all being involved.
The system is complex and the break down of any one component may lead
to diarrhoea. Diarrhea is caused by inflammation of the intestine
(enteritis). It may happen at the same time as vomiting, (gastroenteritis)
or by itself. As long as your dog is eating and alert, there is no cause
for alarm. Unless there is vomiting, feed a small amount of light food
divided into four or five small servings given at intervals throughout
the day.
The first step in the diagnostic work-up of diarrhea is to determine if
the diarrhea is acute or sudden in onset, or is of longer duration (chronic).
Chronic diarrhea is defined as loose stool that persists for greater than
1 month, or is intermittently seen for several months. The second step in
determining the cause of the diarrhea is to decide if the stool has characteristics
suggesting origin in the small intestine or large intestine. These first
two steps then determine the remaining work up.
Small bowel diarrhea is characterized by large volumes of watery to semi-liquid
stool with little or no discomfort or straining associated with the bowel
movement. Occasionally the pet may have some urgency associated with the
defecation. Weight loss may be present if the diarrhea has been persistent.
Large bowel diarrhea is characterized by straining and urgency to defecate.
There is often fresh blood or mucous in the stool. Weight loss is rare with
purely large bowel diarrhea unless food intake is decreased. Some pets have
diseases of both the large and small intestine, resulting in combinations
of symptoms.
A minimum data base-consisting of a complete blood count, biochemical profile,
urinalysis, and fecal examination-are obtained in almost every case of diarrhea.
Occasionally, other tests, such as x-rays and ultrasounds, are performed.
Fiber-optic endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract often is used in chronic
cases, or in instances of foreign body ingestion. A surgical exploration
is performed when there is an obstruction of the bowel, or if the problem
is beyond non-surgical correction.
The following symptoms should be noted?
Frequency of diarrhoea? How many times per day?
How long has your dog had diarrhoea for?
Are there secondary symptoms such as vomiting, temperature rise, straining?
Does your dog appear bright, collapsed?
Is there blood or mucus in the diarrhoea?
What colour is the diarrhoea; brown, yellow, green?
Unfortunately only experience,
common sense and professional knowledge can give you all the answers but
the general rule is that if the diarrhoea is only occasional, of recent
duration and if your dog is reasonably bright, then probably there is not
too much to worry about .
If your dog is reasonably
bright, not passing large amounts of blood and not exhibiting any other
major symptoms, then home nursing may be all that is required.
Step1
Starve for 24 hours
Keep a close watch on the motion for 3 days to evaluate faeces and
prevent scavenging.
Remove water and offer Lectade solution to prevent dehydration. In
the first 24 hours this should be given at the rate of 8-30mls every half
hour by mouth (depending on the size of the dog eg. 8mls for a small terrier
30mls for a German Shepherd). This can be continued as per the directions
for a further 3 days. However, if dehydration is severe, especially if there
is concurrent vomiting or the dog is collapsed, you should consult your
veterinarian at once.
Step 2
Offer a bland diet in small
quantities at regular intervals throughout the day.
Bland diet for dogs with
occasional diarrhea:
Mix one and a half cups of cooked white rice with one half cup
of cottage cheese. Remove the liquid from cottage cheese by
squeezing it between several layers of paper towel.
Alternatively make up some scrambled egg and feed small amounts at
a time
If symptoms persist consult
your vet
The above information is simply informational. It's intent
is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making
a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for
confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Vomiting
Vomiting is one of the most common reasons pets are taken to their veterinarian.
.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons that pets are seen by their veterinarians.
