What causes diarrhea?
Diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom of many different diseases. Many mild cases of diarrhea can be resolved quickly with simple treatments. Others are the result of serious or life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may become fatal if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe fluid and nutrient losses.
How serious is diarrhea in dogs?
Your veterinarian will attempt to determine how sick your dog has become as a consequence of the diarrhea. When the dog is systemically ill (when more than one body system is involved), some of the following may be noted:
1. Vomiting
2. Dehydration
3. Loss of appetite
4. Abdominal pain
5. Fever
6. Lethargy
7. Bloody and/or watery diarrhea
What types of tests are performed to find the cause of my dog’s diarrhea?
If diarrhea is associated with several of the above signs, your veterinarian will perform a series of tests in order to make a diagnosis. This permits specific disease treatment. Diagnostic tests may include microscopic fecal evaluation, abdominal radiography (x-rays) with or without barium, blood tests, fecal cultures, biopsies of the intestinal tract, video endoscopy, ultrasound and exploratory abdominal surgery. Once the diagnosis is known, treatment may include special medications, diets, or surgery.
If your dog does not appear systemically ill from diarrhea, the cause may be less serious. Some of the minor causes of diarrhea include stomach or intestinal viruses, intestinal parasites, and dietary indiscretions (such as a change in diet or eating garbage or other offensive or irritating materials). A minimum number of tests are performed to rule out certain parasites and infections. These cases may be treated with drugs to control the motility of the intestinal tract, drugs that relieve inflammation in the intestinal tract, and, often, a special diet for a few days. This approach allows the body’s healing mechanisms to correct the problem. If your pet is not improving within two to four days, a change in medication or further tests may be necessary. It is important to keep your veterinary clinic updated about your pet’s progress to optimize his recovery.
Based on material written by Ernest Ward, DVM. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
