Common Disease Name:
Diarrhea or loose stool
Medical Term for Disease:
Diarrhea
Species Affected by Disease:
Dogs and cats
Age Animal Usually Affected:
Any
Commonly Affected Breeds:
Any
Sex Usually Affected:
Both
Disease Symptoms:
Animals that are mildly affected generally are bright, alert and do not appear to be sick, except for the diarrhea. Dogs that are affected more severely may show signs of vomiting, depression, dehydration, listlessness, an increased frequency of diarrhea, and may have blood in the stool. There may be intestinal "gurgling" noises. Dehydration can be life threatening. If your dog's eyes look dull, sunken in, he has no energy, his gums feel 'tacky' or sticky instead of wet, or his skin stays pulled up or 'tents' when you test it over his shoulders, he is dehydrated and needs medical attention and possibly fluids therapy.
Method(s) of Diagnosis:
Clinical symptoms: If diarrhea persists, fecal samples will be checked for parasites, body temperature will be checked and other blood chemistry and blood count tests are done. There may also be radiographs, ultrasound, intestinal biopsies and other special biochemical tests. The veterinarian will attempt to determine whether the diarrhea is from the small intestine or large intestine.
Disease Causes:
Diarrhea is actually a symptom of many underlying diseases. Eating spoiled food or trash, too much fat or heavy spice in the diet, a sudden change in diet, parasites, intestinal bacteria, viruses, drugs, and cancer may cause diarrhea. Typically, animals with rapid onset, and short-lived diarrhea, classified as acute diarrhea, that are not dehydrated or sick, are treated symptomatically. Dogs with severe or chronic diarrhea, diarrhea which lasts longer than a few days to a week, which often get better, then get worse again, require a series of diagnostic tests to determine and treat the underlying cause.
Treatment:
Depends on the cause. If it is acute diarrhea and you suspect GI tract upset, and the pet is drinking and not dehydrated, often withholding a meal, stomach protectants such as bismuth (Pepto Bismol) and then re-introducing small amounts of bland food (cooked rice mixed with a small amount of de-greased cooked hamburger) will solve the problem. If it is chronic, a diagnosis must first be made.
Prognosis:
Without treatment, severe diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and even death. If diarrhea does not resolve itself within a few days, your veterinarian should be consulted to determine and treat the cause.
Complications:
Dehydration, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, loss of protein, weight loss, death.
Prevention:
Do not feed your dog human food. Dog food is formulated to give dogs everything they need, while being gentle to their stomachs.
Medicines Used for Treatment of Disease:
Dewormers; anti-diarrhea medication, fluid therapy and many others depending on the cause.
Helpful Products:
Nutritious pets foods specifically for dogs. If your dog seems to have a sensitive stomach, there are foods formulated for that condition. Treats that are not too greasy or spicy, and in moderation. Chews that are large enough so they are not quickly chewed up and swallowed.
