Dogs and Gastroenteritis

If your dog has all of a sudden been vomiting severely, he may have gastroenteritis. The onset of the disease is usually marked by diarrhea and vomiting. When the disease is not treated, much of the fluids your dog ingests will be lost. This causes dehydration, electrolyte disturbance and acid-base imbalance. Because of the frequent vomiting, shock is always a danger since some cases of gastroenteritis are fatal.

Diet seems to play a number one role when it comes to gastroenteritis. Dogs aren't particular about what they eat. If they eat spoiled food or any foreign objects, they could develop the disease. Sometimes, changes in diet can cause the onset; bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as parasites, are also known to cause gastroenteritis. If your dog is taking any medication, it could be the irritant. In addition, gastroenteritis could also be the symptom of some other underlying disease. Diabetes, liver, and kidney disease are all known to trigger the disease. Any disorders concerning the abdomen such as peritonitis, pancreatitis, and pyometra can also be a cause. For some, the gastrointestinal tract is blocked.

The moment your dog experiences vomiting and diarrhea that lasts for more than two days, you should consult a veterinarian. Look out for bloody, watery fecal matter as blood can sometimes be found in the vomit as well. Your dog will be depressed and listless, because he will have no energy. It can be quite hard to diagnose gastroenteritis for pet-owners because it is normal for dogs to vomit or have diarrhea. However, if there are no predispositions, and the onset is sudden, it is not normal.

Regularly, dogs that do not have a severe case of gastroenteritis do not have to go through all the tests. The vet might prescribe some medication for the symptoms. However, if blood is found on the stool and vomit, then your dog needs further examination. The vet will request diagnostic tests such as a stool exam, routine urine exam, (CBC) complete blood count, blood biochemistry profiling and an ultrasound of the abdomen. This way, he can diagnose the dog properly.

The main priority of the treatment for gastroenteritis is to restore the fluid lost. This affects the electrolyte and acid-base balance. Dehydration can occur, so it is a primary concern. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may need to be administered for gastroenteritis caused by an infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. Some drugs are prescribed to restore the natural coating of the gastrointestinal tract.

The gastrointestinal tract will need a rest, so you will have to limit the oral intake of your dog. Do not feed him or let him drink for several hours. Then, you can start to introduce some water into his system and after a few more hours, you can give him a bland diet - nothing too heavy. When he is thoroughly cleansed, you can go back to a healthy, balanced meal. If the symptoms present themselves again, take your dog to a veterinarian at once.