Gastrointestinal problems affect a dog's stomach and intestines, resulting in pain and other problems. Any disorder that reduces the digestion or absorption of food, or alters its passage through the digestive tract, can be called a digestive disorder. Healthy digestion is essential for your dog to be able to use the nutrients from his food to build and repair tissues and obtain energy. Gastrointestinal problems can lead to dehydration, acid-base and electrolyte imbalances and malnutrition so it is important to recognize the signs and consult with your veterinarian.
Types and causes of gastrointestinal and digestive problems in dogs
Acute gastroenteritis:
Inflammation of gastrointestinal tract, from stomach to intestines. Gastroenteritis can be either acute or chronic and can be caused by infections (ex E.coli, Parvo , Corona etc.) food indiscretion, ( ex. spoiled food or high fat diet) ingesting toxic (ex, plant, chemical), foreign body, internal parasite, allergy and etc.
Colitis:
Refers to inflammation of the large intestine (colon). It can be caused by stress (ex: stress colitis after hospitalization/after surgery), infections (ex: bacteria, virus), parasite, and primary inflammatory bowel disease. This inflammation will reduce water absorption and makes difficult store stool in the colon, and the results in small amount of diarrhea often with mucus and blood
Constipation:
Inability to pass a normal stool on a regular basis. Some can be easily fixed but some may experience chronic constipation and it can lead to obstipation where stool becomes harder and drier. Common cause for constipation would be lack of exercise, poor diet, lack of fiber, obstruction by non-food item, underlying medical condition (ex-spinal injury, renal disease, enlarged prostate, anal gland)
Pancreatitis:
Inflammation of pancreas (an elongated, tapered gland that is located near the stomach). Origins are frequently unknown. Potential causes are feeding foods high in fat, infections, inflation of organ nearby or trauma.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency:
Decreased in production (and synthesis) of enzyme to digest fat, carb and protein from pancreases. This condition is characterized by polyphagia, weight loss, and large amounts of soft feces.
Infectious Causes of Dog Stomach/Intestinal Problems:
Young puppies are most prone to infectious diseases — especially viruses like Parvovirus that can be fatal — since their immune systems are not yet fully developed. So it’s always a good idea to schedule a vet visit ASAP for a puppy with gastrointestinal problems.
Inflammatory Conditions of the Digestive Tract:
Some dogs may develop food allergies, or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Not all the causes of these conditions are understood, and diagnosis may involve a feeding trial on a specific type of food with limited ingredients.
Once diagnosed, treatment often involves strict adherence to a diet that works best for that individual dog, as well as certain supplements or medications to manage symptoms.
Toxic Ingestions:
Certain foods (such as chocolate) or other substances (household chemicals, poisons, or even certain types of plants and flowers) may cause digestive upset if a dog eats them more than what they can tolerate. Additionally, many of these toxins cause additional effects on the body (such as tremors, changes in heart rate, etc.) and some can be fatal.
Many human medications are also toxic to pets. Also, some non-toxic medications (such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories) that are prescribed to pets for other medical conditions may carry risks of certain side effects, such as diarrhea or even stomach ulcers.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV or Bloat):
GDV is a condition in which the stomach twists and rotates, trapping gases inside. This causes the stomach to expand, resulting in internal bleeding, irreversible damage to the stomach and spleen, stomach rupture, shock, and death.
The most common symptoms of GDV in dogs include retching (making a vomiting motion without producing any vomit), a distended and painful stomach, panting, and restlessness/inability to settle down and get comfortable. Often surgery is needed to treat GDV.
Cancer:
Cancer may occur in the digestive tract as a mass, or as an inflammatory condition throughout a large area of the digestive tract. Even cancers outside of the digestive system may cause gastrointestinal problems — for example, mast cell tumors
elsewhere on the body can increase acidity in the stomach. Treatment may be targeted at the cancer directly, as well as supportive care to provide relief from symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. For example, a dog with intestinal parasites will receive a deworming, while a dog with an intestinal blockage usually needs surgery. In other words, treatment is variable depending on what’s causing the digestive upset.
Additionally, supportive care is usually needed. Supportive care is anything directed at relieving symptoms, preventing complications (such as dehydration from vomiting), and helping them feel more comfortable.
Examples of common supportive care treatments include:
- Anti-nausea medications
- Antacids and stomach/intestinal protectants
- Medicines to relieve diarrhea
- Probiotics formulated for pets
- Fluid therapy (for dehydration and electrolyte replacement)
- A bland diet or special diet for sensitive stomachs
Appointment/Enquiry:
3650 3000 (Mon-Sun: 9:00am – 7:00pm)
Address:
G-2/F, Trinity Towers, 339 Lai Chi Kok Road, Sham Shui Po
Online booking for revisit with primary care veterinarians or vaccination:
https://www.cityuvmc.com.hk/en/online-booking