Gastrointestinal Health

When it comes to the gastrointestinal (GI) system, dogs and cat have similar problems as people do. In general, GI issues are either acute or chronic. Acute usually refers to a recent onset, or an issue that has been present from a few hours to several days. A chronic issue is one with a longer presence, lasting weeks or longer - perhaps indefinitely. Occasionally, an acute attack of a GI issue can become a chronic condition. Typical clinical signs of a GI issue are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever. There are many topics that relate to the GI system but our focus will cover nutrition, parasites, garbage gut, anal glands, and common problems we see at our clinic.

Nutrition

There is much to be said about nutrition but simply said - the better we eat, the better health we have - the same goes for our pets. Feeding a high quality diet is essential to optimum health. There is better absorption of important nutrients, and your pet is less likely to have a negative reaction (vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, etc.). In my 13 years as a veterinarian I have observed that pets that are feed a premium diet - tend to have less medical problems. We recommend, and feed in our practice, Hill's Science Diet. Whichever diet you choose, I encourage pet owners to stay at the premium food level when doing trials on diets. A good pet food company works hard to find the right ingredients, as well as the right way to process them. Fancy packaging and ingredient lists do not tell the whole story. Sometimes pet owners have to go through a process to find the right food for them, because their pets may vomit or have gas, even on a premium diet. Ask your veterinarian for options.

There are prescription, or ingredient altered diets that are helpful if your pet has issues with the general premium diets. These diets are specific so ask your veterinarian which Hill's Science Prescription Diet is best for your pet.

Parasites

Parasites are common causes of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite. Most are easily handled with deworming medication. Most heart worm preventative medications are combined with some intestinal parasite dewormer covering roundworm, hookworm, and whipworms. Other examples of parasites are the one celled organisms (protozoa) - Giardia and Coccidia. If your pet has any of the above clinical signs, a fecal test done by your veterinary clinic can identify and guide your veterinarian to the appropriate treatment.

Garbage Gut

Table feeding can lead to serious health problems, obesity, pancreatitis, and diabetes, to name a few. When you think you are being kind - a fair amount of times you're not. Pets are like people, some foods may not agree with them and if they do not tell you about it, you will continue to decline your pet's health. A viable option is the many varieties of treats that pet stores sell.

Anal Glands

The anal glands are accessory glands, located at the 4 and 8 O'clock periphery of the anus, similar to a skunk. They are usually expressed when dogs or cats defecate. Sometimes if they don't empty properly, they get clogged or infected. If you see your pet excessively licking or rubbing it's backside on the ground, it typically means the glands are full. Your veterinarian can easily express them for you, and believe me, this is something you would rather pay somebody else to do! At times, an infection or impaction causes the gland to abscess. If you see pus and blood at the 4 and 8 O'clock position, your veterinarian needs to help.

Common Problems

Colitis is a very common GI issue. Something caused your pet to have diarrhea. Parasites, infection, and dietary indiscretion are examples. A fair amount of time the cause is unknown. A fecal test is helpful in diagnosis, and then a specific treatment can be planned. If no cause is found, your veterinarian can typically dispense medication that generally helps alleviate the symptoms.

Hypersensitivity or allergies to ingredients can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and gas. Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Diverticulitis, Gastritis, Gastroenteritis, and Pancreatitis are all common diseases that can be eased or avoided by a specific diet (some medication may be needed as well). Prescription diets with particular ingredients can be the best solution, but finding the right one may be difficult. If your veterinarian diagnosed a certain disease, the right diet is easy. If not specifically diagnosed, then trial and error can usually produce the proper results.

Medications can cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and at times ulcers. Observing your pet when on medication is important. That way your veterinarian can rule out other diseases. Blood work may be required to make sure your pet is healthy to take medications (NSAIDS, heart medication, etc.)