Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

Call Us Today

217-673-4870

  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
    • Petsimonials
  • Companion Animals
  • Equine & Large Animals
  • Services
  • About Us
    • Meet our Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
  • Memorials
    • Submit Your Pet Memorial
  • Contact Us
    • Request Appointment
Gastroenteritis in Pets
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Recognizing Illness >
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

Gastroenteritis in Pets

Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice any of the signs of gastroenteritis.

What Causes Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis can occur if your pet eats something it should not, such as garbage, non-food items or feces. Although giving your pet a few scraps from the dinner table may seem harmless, eating people food can cause gastroenteritis. Unfortunately, some foods that you enjoy can irritate your pet's gastrointestinal system. Other causes of gastroenteritis include:

  • Bacterial or parasitic infections
  • Viruses
  • Allergies
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Reaction to a medication
  • Eosinophilic leukemia
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

What Happens if My Pet Becomes Dehydrated?

Dehydration occurs when your pet loses fluids faster than it can replace them. Your pet also loses electrolytes in addition to fluids. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that regulate blood acidity, nerve and muscle function, and the body's hydration level. If dehydration is not treated promptly, it can lead to kidney failure and even death. These symptoms may occur if your pet is dehydrated:

  • Sunken eyes
  • Dry mouth and nose
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Decreased urine production
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Panting
  • Changes in skin elasticity (When you lift you pet's skin and let it go, it should quickly revert to its original position. If your pet is dehydrated, the skin will return to the original position very slowly.)

How Will My Veterinarian Diagnose Gastroenteritis?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete examination, which will probably include a few diagnostic tests, including fecal testing for parasites. A blood test may be ordered to determine if your pet's blood cells are normal and to check for signs of problems with your pet's organs. X-rays and ultrasounds can give your pet's doctor a better view of the gastrointestinal system. If you furry friend has swallowed a non-food item, the outline of the item will probably appear in the X-rays.

During the visit, you may be asked if there were any changes to your pet's normal routine, such as travel or recent changes in food. Your pet's veterinarian may also want to know if your dog or cat was exposed to pesticides or cleaning products, or recently began taking a new medication or supplement. Because the cause of gastroenteritis isn't always immediately apparent, any information you can provide will help the veterinarian make a diagnosis.

How is Gastroenteritis Treated?

Replacing lost fluid is a priority if your pet has gastroenteritis. Your veterinarian may recommend that your pet receive subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous fluids during your visit. Additional treatment will depend on the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea. For example, antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, while surgery may be needed if a foreign body is stuck in your pet's gastrointestinal tract.

Whether you are concerned that your pet may have gastroenteritis or another illness, or it's time for your pet's annual examination, we're committed to helping you maintain your furry friend's health. Call us if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Pet Health Network: Gastroenteritis in Dogs, 10/21/11

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/gastroenteritis-dogs

PetMD: Stomach and Intestinal Inflammation in Dogs

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_dg_eosinophilic_gastroenteritis_in_dogs_diarrhea?page=show

No article settings found. Please configure it

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

Office Hours

*Open the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday when it applies.

Monday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

8:00 AM-12:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Testimonial

I absolutely love the ladies at this office. They are so nice and helpful and my fur babies like them to!! I strongly recommend this practice if you are in need of a great vet and staff!!

Angel C.

    The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More

    Online Games & Quizzes

    In this version of badminton, your tail is the racquet. Make the dolphin do flips and tricks. Play Zipper's Kennel Chaos game! Can you help get water in Zipper's dish? Use your frog tongue to catch delicious bugs. Create your very own prize-winning pooch! Speed down the ice while ...

    Read More

    Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More

    Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More

    What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More

    Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More

    World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More

    Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse? ...

    Read More

    8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring

    Do you know why your dog snores? ...

    Read More

    Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors

    Service dogs help thousands of disabled Americans become more independent. The first service dogs guided visually impaired people, but today, the dogs assist people who have a variety of disabilities, ranging from hearing loss to seizures to cerebral palsy. Before a dog can become a service animal, it ...

    Read More

Follow Us

Find Us On Social Media

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map