CANINE DIARRHOEA
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Dogs are very prone to vomiting and diarrhoea due to their unfussy eating habits. If they eat spoiled materials they may get “food poisoning”. Dogs with simple gastro-enteritis may have profuse or frequent diarrhoea but will be bright, looking for food, drinking more water and not showing other signs of illness. The majority of simple diarrhoeic complaints in the dog resolve quickly if the patient is managed correctly. Dogs with diarrhoea have an inflamed bowel and cannot absorb nutrients from their food. If fed, undigested food will pass straight through the bowel and promote further fluid loss. Dogs with diarrhoea should be starved for 24 hours to allow this inflammation to subside before feeding is started Diarrhoea is an extremely common problem in dogs [and cats] and has a variety of potential causes, for example: - Dietary sensitivity and intolerance Diarrhoea can vary in its severity and length of duration. In mild cases, affected dogs and cats may remain bright and alert in themselves whereas, in more severe cases, they may become unwell, have a high temperature, develop concurrent vomiting, have blood in the faeces and/or become dehydrated. Most mild diarrhoea cases resolve within a few days with appropriate therapy, whereas severe and ongoing diarrhoea cases require hospitalisation and a thorough veterinary investigation. If your dog t is suffering from diarrhoea then veterinary advice should be sought, especially if they are unwell in themselves and/or the diarrhoea is ongoing. Your veterinary surgeon will then be able to investigate the possible cause and develop a treatment regime that is tailored to your pet. Dog’s with frequent diarrhoea lose their beneficial gut bacteria that help to protect against disease. This can cause chronic diarrhoea or a relapse after the dog has appeared to get better. Probiotics are bacterial cultures that help to re-colonise the bowel with beneficial bacteria. A product called Protect from Stock Nutrition has a mixture of bacteria suited to the dog’s bowel and has the bacteria coated to survive passage through the stomach acid. It works much better than natural yoghurt and should be given in the food for at least two weeks after any acute diarrhoea. A number of supplements are available, such as Diarsanyl®, that help to support intestinal function. These contain intestinal protectants (such as montmorrillonite) which maintain intestinal function by coating and protecting the intestinal cells, and absorbing toxins. There are also newer products available which contain prebiotics (such as Diarsanyl® Plus). These help to maintain intestinal flora by promoting the growth of good bacteria (such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) at the expense of potentially harmful pathogenic bacteria. HIGH DIGESTIBILITY DIET Many dog diets are very high in meat protein (especially the premium brand tinned dog foods) and can be difficult for a dog with tummy problems to digest. It is best if the dog's normal food is stopped. A home-cooked diet that contains no meat protein is much better for a few days after which you can gradually re introduce chicken/fish: 1.5 cups cooked rice Dogs with diarrhoea may vomit in the initial phase of a gastro-enteritis. Thereafter, dogs with diarrhoea should not repeatedly vomit. Make sure water is always available and give as frequent small drinks. If repeated vomiting or regurgitation of water occurs, seek urgent veterinary attention. Electrolyte solutions promote better absorption of fluid from the bowel and help to prevent dehydration as well as producing a firmer motion. Your vet may prescribe oral electrolyte solutions for dogs with profuse diarrhoea. SEVERE DIARRHOEA The patient becomes depressed or unresponsive Dogs with severe diarrhoea need hospitalization and restoration of any fluid losses by intravenous fluid therapy (an i/v drip). Failing this, dogs with severe diarrhoea can develop irreversible shock or kidney failure. |