Gastroenteritis is a disease where the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) becomes inflamed.
CAUSES:
Ingestion: spoiled food orforeign objects
Infections: bacterial, viral or fungal
Certain medications: corticosteroids, anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics
Diseases: pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease
SIGNS:
Vomiting: foamy, with yellow bile and blood
Diarrhea: in large amounts a few times a day
Dehydration
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Gagging after eating or drinking
Abdominal pain
Fever
DIAGNOSIS:
Many cases of vomiting and diarrhea resolve quickly and easily. If the signs continue for more than one day, or if there is blood in the diarrhea or vomit, bring your dog to your veterinarian. Some tests performed may include:
Blood tests
Urine test
Stool examination
X-rays or ultrasound of the abdomen
Tests for pancreatitis
TREATMENT:
The goals of treatment are to renew lost fluid and to give the gastrointestinal tract a rest. Your veterinarian will do a few things:
Rehydration: orally or through IV
Diet: your dog will not be allowed any food, and you will gradually introduce water and easily-digestible food
Drugs: to stop the vomiting and diarrhea
Antibiotics: if the cause is a bacterial infection
PREVENTION:
To prevent gastroenteritis, you should:
Keep your dog on a healthy diet
Keep a clean environment to avoid infection
Be careful that they don’t swallow non-edible objects
Bring them for routine de-worming
PROGNOSIS:
Most dogs with gastroenteritis will recover quickly with rehydration.
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