There are quite a few diseases that are included in the gastrointestinal system. Gastritis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis just to name a few. These are the most common pet GI issues I see when I work.
Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
Causes
Some causes are overuse of NSAIDs and ingesting foreign objects or substances. Gastritis can be either acute or chronic, depending on how long it has been occurring.
Symptoms
- lack of appetite
- vomiting
- dehydration
- lethargy
- blood in stool
- abdominal pain
Usually, veterinarians diagnose gastritis by a physical exam, clinical history, and a blood profile (includes CBC – complete blood count – and chemistry).
Treatment
Treatment usually consists of not feeding or giving your pet anything by mouth for 24 hours, a bland diet, antiemetics, antibiotics when needed, and fluid therapy (either IV or subcutaneously).
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is the sudden onset of bloody diarrhea and vomiting in dogs and cats.
Causes
Causes are usually unknown, but can include dietary changes or indiscretions, stress, anxiety, trauma, intestinal parasites, stomach ulcers, or food intolerances.
Symptoms
Usually HGE is very acute and can be scary at home. Symptoms include very bright, bloody diarrhea with or without mucus, vomiting with or without blood, lethargy, painful abdomen, and maybe fever. Veterinarians diagnose HGE via bloodwork, history, physical exam, and fecal exam to rule out intestinal parasites.
Treatment
Treatment can include supportive care with antibiotics, gastric protectants, fluid care (IV or subcutaneously), and slowly reintroducing food.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.
Causes
Some causes include obesity, high-fat diets, medications or toxins, and endocrine diseases (hypothyroidism). Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include obesity, vomiting, diarrhea, loss in appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Veterinarians diagnose pancreatitis by history, physical exam, a blood profile (increases in lipase seen on chemistry) and even the use of a SNAP test in house.
Treatment
Treatment consists of a low fat diet long-term, fluid therapy, and supportive medications. Usually, relapses are seen.
There are plenty more diseases out there, but in veterinary medicine, these are the most common pet GI issues. If you see any of these signs or symptoms at home, be sure to bring your pet to see your vet ASAP.
-Madison, Certified Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician at Gardens Animal Hospital.
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