Gastroenteritis - Vomiting and Diarrhea

Definition "Gastroenteritis" is another name for an inflamed stomach and intestines which can result in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Causes The causes of gastroenteritis are multiple. These can include: dietary indiscretion such as eating something from the garbage or yard or something too rich or fatty or something irritating such as bones. Bacteria, virus, parasites and protozoa also can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Diagnostics Blood tests A decrease in animal's white blood count can indicate a viral infection; an elevated white blood cell count can indicate a bacterial infection. Elevated enzymes such as amylase and lipase in a dog can indicate pancreatitis, an inflamed pancreas, that can accompany an inflamed stomach and intestines. Also, blood tests measure electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium as well as blood sugar, all of which can be changed with vomiting and/or diarrhea. Sometimes, vomiting and/or diarrhea can occur secondary to organ dysfunction such as kidney or liver failure. Blood tests help to diagnose these conditions. Fecal tests These can help rule out common parasites such as roundworms or hookworms or protozoa such coccidia or giardia. Sometimes, other tests are indicated to rule out less common causes of diarrhea (such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium and salmonella). Sometimes, testing for viruses in the feces such as parvovirus is indicated. Xrays These are taken: to rule out obstruction from foreign bodies; to evaluate the gas pattern and its distribution throughout the intestinal tract; give suggestions of the presence of pancreatitis; to evaluate the structure of other organs. Ultrasound and Endoscopy In cases with a history of protracted vomiting and/or diarrhea, there is a concern for inflamatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastro-intestinal cancer (i.e. lymphoma), so your veterinarian may recommend these tests to help diagnose these conditions. Treatment Medications While these may be directed at controlling the vomiting and/or diarrhea, more specific treatment may be indicated by the test results. Hydration While water is important, if a pet is vomiting, it may be necessary to limit access to water. It is better to make water available in small amounts at frequent intervals rather than letting the pet drink a lot at one time since this is likely to continue to stimulate the vomiting process. If mildly dehydrated, your veterinarian may give a balanced electrolyte solution under the skin (subcutaneously). If your pet is moderately or severely dehydrated, it should be hospitalized to receive fluids directly into the vein (intravenously). Diet change This diet change may be temporary while your pet is ill. Feeding a bland diet, either home made or prescription, is often helpful to calm down upset stomach and intestines. Your veterinarian may even suggest to not to give your pet food for 1-2 days until the vomiting and/or diarrhea subside. Bland Diet Regimes Home-made bland diets are not nutritionally complete and are not meant to be fed long term to a pet. However, prescription diets can be fed long term. It is best to feed small amounts frequently rather than large amounts infrequently since this facilitates digestion. A bland diet for a dog means a home-made combination of chicken (no fat or skin) or cottage cheese and cooked white rice, fed in a 1:2 ratio; this can be flavored with meat based baby food or a prescription bland diet such as Hill's I/D A bland diet for a cat means a home-made diet of boiled or broiled chicken or turkey (no fat or skin) or a prescription bland diet such as Hill's I/D or Purina's CNM-EN or a meat based human baby food. DAYS 1 to _____ : Feed small amounts of the home-made or prescription food. DAYS _____ to _____ : Feed small amount of home-made or prescription food, mixed with pet's regular food, increasing in incremental amounts. DAY _____ : Back to normal diet. If vomiting and/or diarrhea persists, please recheck with your veterinarian as additional testing and treatment may be needed. The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.