by Charlotte Howard

Created on: May 19, 2008   Last Updated: February 26, 2011

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the bowel and is fairly common in dogs, especially ones that scavenge. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and arching. It can be caused by many factors, including eating something that disagrees with them, an intolerance to certain foods, obstructions, and ulcers. It can also be a symptom pointing towards something underlying like pancreatitis, liver disease or an infection of the womb (pyometra) in bitches. Gastroenteritis can also be a symptom of parvovirus or canine hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. These are highly infectious and can be fatal diseases. The presence of blood is usually seen in the diarrhea and vomit. If the onset of the symptoms are rapid, then it is more likely to be an infection or virus and a vet should be contacted as soon as possible.

Signs

Signs of gastroenteritis vary depending on the severity of the infection, and whether it is a condition on it's own, or the symptom to a more complicated illness.  When the bowel first becomes inflammed some of the symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection as they can be similar.

•Diarrhea - if it contains blood, this can be a sign of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), which is very severe and can be fatal if left untreated.

•Vomiting - generally caused by the straining of passing diarrhea, and the spasms within the stomach and intestines.

•Dehydration - caused by diarrhea and vomiting

•Depression - a dog with depression will tend to stay in one corner, and be less inclined to exercise or play.

•Lessened appetite or complete anorexia

•Lethargic and sleeping more often

•Gastric noises - stomach rumbling or growling

•Excessive passing of wind - can be particularly smelly if a bacterial infection is the cause

•Hunching or arching of the stomach - a sign of stomach ache

Treatment

Inflammation of the bowel prevents the normal digestion of water and nutrients, causing them to pass straight through the intestines. It is important that the dog have access to plenty of fresh water to prevent severe dehydration.

If vomiting and diarrhea are seen together then a vet should be contacted. Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, depression and weight loss. If this happens then the dog will need to be kept at the vets under observation whilst the run tests and rehydrate with fluids and electrolytes. Blood tests and x-rays may be necessary for a proper diagnosis.

Starving for twenty-four hours followed by a bland meal of boiled chicken and rice little and often can sometimes help, but never deny the dog fresh water. If this does not work then the dog must be taken to a vet for a thorough check up.

If it turns out that the reason is food related the problem can usually be solved by altering the dog's diet. There are special foods available to help combat the causes of gastroenteritis.

You can prevent gastroenteritis and stomach upsets by keeping your dog fully vaccinated and wormed, and being sure of what they are eating. Blockages can be caused by many things such as small toys and hair, but the most common cause of obstructed gastroenteritis is when their are bones included in the diet. Bones, especially when cooked, are brittle and can splinter off causing blockages and small tears in the intestines. Ensuring a high fiber diet with plenty of fresh water will help prevent this. Regular grooming can lessen the chance of a hair blockage. This is very important in the case of long-haired breeds such as Afghans.

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