Intestinal infection in Dogs, published on 12/19/2019

Intestinal infection in Dogs, published on 12/19/2019

Gastroenteritis, a condition affecting the upper to mid-intestinal tract in dogs, can cause symptoms such as soft stool, vomiting, watery diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. This article aims to shed light on the common causes, symptoms, and treatments for both acute and chronic gastroenteritis in dogs.

**Acute Gastroenteritis**

Acute gastroenteritis, which develops suddenly, is often caused by dietary indiscretion, such as eating spoiled food, toxins, or foreign substances. Infections from parasites like hookworms and roundworms, bacteria, or viruses, such as Canine Parvovirus, can also lead to acute gastroenteritis. Stressful events like travel or boarding, or ingestion of toxins or poisons, can also contribute to this condition [1][3].

**Chronic Gastroenteritis**

Chronic gastroenteritis, which occurs over weeks or months, is often the result of chronic diseases or allergies. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), involving chronic inflammation of intestinal tissue often linked to abnormal immune responses, is a common cause. Repeated bouts of acute illnesses, underlying conditions such as chronic pancreatitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which cause ongoing irritation and inflammation, may also lead to chronic gastroenteritis [1][2][5]

**Common Symptoms**

Dogs with gastroenteritis may show symptoms like frequent vomiting, diarrhea (which can be watery and sometimes contain blood or mucus), loss of appetite and weight loss, lethargy and weakness, dehydration signs such as dry gums and sunken eyes, abdominal discomfort, panting, or restlessness, and fever may also occur [1].

**Treatments**

For acute gastroenteritis, fluid therapy to prevent or treat dehydration, especially with intravenous (IV) fluids in severe cases, is crucial. Withholding food and water for about 24 hours to rest the gastrointestinal tract, then reintroducing a bland, low-fat diet gradually, antiemetics to control vomiting and prevent further fluid loss, monitoring for worsening symptoms or complications, and treating underlying causes such as parasites or infections with appropriate medications are also essential [1][2][3][4].

For chronic gastroenteritis, long-term dietary management with specialized low-fat or hypoallergenic prescription diets, regular veterinary monitoring including blood tests for pancreatic enzymes if pancreatitis is suspected, management of underlying immune or inflammatory conditions such as IBD, sometimes with immunosuppressive drugs, stress reduction and behavior modification if stress is a contributing factor, and symptomatic treatments like probiotics to support gut health and medications to control vomiting or acid reflux (in cases with GERD) are necessary [1][2][5].

Both forms of gastroenteritis require veterinary diagnosis through physical exams, history, and diagnostic tests to tailor treatment effectively.

**Prevention**

Preventing some types of gastroenteritis can be achieved by not allowing pets to routinely get into garbage, human scraps, or other foods and items they are not used to. Vaccinating pets against viruses like parvovirus and keeping them on parasite and worm protection can help prevent some causes of gastroenteritis.

**Costs**

The costs of procedures used to diagnose and treat gastroenteritis in dogs can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the tests required. Purchasing a pet health insurance policy like MetLife Pet Insurance may help offset veterinary costs in the case of accidents and illnesses, including the necessary testing and diagnostics.

**Additional Information**

Certain dangerous viruses, such as parvovirus, can cause gastroenteritis in dogs, leading to severe dehydration and even death. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or antibiotic-responsive diarrhea in dogs. Addison's disease, a disorder characterized by the loss of ability to produce cortisol-a hormone required to combat stress, may also cause gastroenteritis in dogs, with diarrhea being a clinical sign. Ingesting non-food objects can also cause gastroenteritis in dogs. Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), which manifests as very bloody and watery diarrhea, requires immediate care by a veterinarian.

In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of gastroenteritis in dogs is crucial for pet owners. Preventive measures, prompt veterinary intervention, and appropriate treatment can help ensure the best possible outcome for your pet's health.

1. Pet health concerns, such as acute and chronic gastroenteritis in dogs, can be managed through various science-based treatments.
2. Chronic gastroenteritis in dogs is often linked to chronic diseases, medical-conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or chronic-diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
3. In addition to physical symptoms like frequent vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, mental-health issues, such as stress, can contribute to gastroenteritis in dogs.
4. Skin-care is important for preventing gastroenteritis in dogs, as ingesting non-food objects can cause this condition.
5. Nutrition plays a significant role in managing chronic gastroenteritis, with long-term dietary management through specialized low-fat or hypoallergenic prescription diets being essential.
6. Neurological-disorders, like Addison's disease, which affects the ability to produce cortisol, can also cause gastroenteritis in dogs.
7. Fitness-and-exercise activities, like playing sports such as football, can help maintain a pet's overall health and wellness, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases that may lead to gastroenteritis.

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