Advice on Gastro-enteritis

Always at this time of year there is an influx of gastro-enteritis cases. Many of these may be quite profuse with bloody diarrhoea.
Gastro-enteritis occurs when the lining of the stomach and the intestines become inflamed and damaged. This causes less efficient digestion of food which results in the most common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea and inappetance.
Many times the required treatment for gastro-enteritis is minimal, but when a pet loses sufficient fluids, weakness, dehydration andanorexia occurs. In such cases hospitalization is necessary for treatment.
Causes include bacterial infections, viral infections, dietary indiscretions and intestinal worms. Often the exact cause is never known by the time the symptoms resolve.

Very young, elderly pets or those with chronic debilitating diseases are the worst affected with dehydration being a common complication. In young unvaccinated puppies there is always a worry that they may have Parvovirus. 
Short-term care involves the resolution of vomiting and diarrhoea and prevention of secondary effects of the loss of nutrients and electrolytes. Secondary effects include inappetance, dehydration and electrolyte changes. These effects in themselves can become life threatening and requires more intense approach to treatment.

Above: Puppy’s bowel on post mortem filled with Round Worms. This pup would have had severe diarrhoea and malnutrition which lead to death.

Do’s:

• Bring your pet for a veterinary consultation to ensure the appropriate treatment protocol is implemented.
• Pets need to stay hydrated by ensuring the intake of water. Keep clean bowel of water available at all times.
• Resume feeding slowly. A gastro diet is highly recommended eg Eukanuba intestinal, Hills id or Royal canine intestinal diet. Alternatively boiled chicken breasts without skin or bones can be fed. Gradually change your pet back to normal food over a period over 3-4 days by decreasing the gastro food and increasing their normal food.
• Administer medications as instructed by your veterinarian.
• Realize that medical tests like x-rays, faecal analysis and blood work may be necessary for appropriate treatment
• Contact your veterinarian in case of worsening of symptoms, re-occurrence of symptoms or if vomit or faeces containing blood is seen.

Don’ts:

• Do not feed treats during recovery. Most treats are rich and not easily digested
• Do not feed any bones