Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common problems owners and veterinarians encounter. Fortunately, vomiting and diarrhoea can only be temporary episodes in some cases. However, if the symptoms become disabling, worsen, or do not disappear within a few days, it is always best to consult a professional. This discomfort can sometimes be the "alarm bell" of more serious chronic and clinical conditions.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: What is Meant
Gastrointestinal disease is a group of pathologies involving the digestive organs, such as the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, prostate, and pancreas.
An occasional episode of vomiting may not cause particular concern. But when the DISORDER becomes PERSISTENT, or there are also TRACES OF BLOOD or MUCUS, it is always appropriate to request the INTERVENTION OF A PROFESSIONAL.
Vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, loss of appetite, dehydration, and gastric gurgling are among the most common symptoms. However, in the most serious cases, fever, depression, inactivity, and excessive sleepiness may also occur.
Most Common Causes
Digestive pain can strike your four-legged friend at any time and can be caused by different factors. The causes of these discomforts can be many: they range from occasional situations to more serious pathological conditions.
Viral and bacterial infections are the main ways to transmit gastrointestinal diseases. However, these problems can also be linked to ingesting water and food in poor condition, intoxication, stress, allergic reactions, or contact with sick animals. Some of the most common factors include:
Inadequate Diet
A sudden change in diet, poor-quality food, or ingesting unsuitable foods (such as table scraps or toxic foods) can easily cause digestive problems. In particular, an unbalanced diet can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in cats.
Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, tapeworms, and other parasites are common causes of gastrointestinal distress, especially in puppies or animals that spend much time outdoors. These parasites can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and malabsorption.
Viral and Bacterial Infections
Diseases such as parvovirus in dogs or feline panleukopenia can cause severe intestinal problems, with symptoms such as vomiting, severe diarrhoea and fever. However, it is essential to remember that bacterial infections such as salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis can also affect the digestive system.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Food intolerances (such as gluten or lactose) and allergies (such as those to chicken or fish proteins) can manifest themselves in our animal friends with gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic diarrhoea, recurrent vomiting or flatulence.
Stress and Anxiety
Finally, stress can also significantly affect digestive disorders, especially in cats. Situations of change, new family members, sudden bereavement or losses or moves can cause stress-related diarrhoea or food refusal.
Common Symptoms and When to Worry
Many gastrointestinal problems manifest easily recognizable symptoms. However, it is essential to know when to contact a Veterinarian. An occasional episode of vomiting, for example, may not cause particular concern. Still, when the disorder becomes persistent, or there are traces of blood or mucus, it is always appropriate to require the intervention of a professional. In cats, frequent vomiting could be related to hairballs or serious problems such as kidney failure.
Conversely, acute diarrhoea, especially if it is accompanied by blood or mucus, is often a sign of infection or parasites. A chronic form, however, may indicate food intolerances or more complex pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
But that's not all: if your pet refuses food for more than 24 hours, it could still suffer from a gastrointestinal problem.
Fortunately, this symptom (which occurs only in a few cases) can be related to liver disease, pancreatitis, or other systemic conditions. Finally, signs of abdominal pain, such as whimpering, strange postures, or a rigid abdomen, should not be underestimated. In some cases, swelling can be a symptom of an emergency, such as gastric torsion in dogs.
Diagnosis: How to Identify the Cause of the Problem
Understanding the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal disorder and reaching an accurate diagnosis is crucial to treating these disorders effectively. In this regard, the Veterinarian can use various diagnostic tools to establish what is afflicting your beloved "furry friend".
A practical first step to understanding the disorder's origin is to analyze the animal's faeces to identify the possible presence of parasites or bacterial infections. In addition, blood tests can also reveal possible anomalies such as infections, inflammation, or liver and kidney problems that could affect the animal's gastrointestinal health.
Among the most common causes that cause gastrointestinal problems are INADEQUATE DIET, INTESTINAL PARASITES, VIRAL and BACTERIAL INFECTIONS, FOOD INTOLERANCES and ALLERGIES, STRESS and ANXIETY.
The specialist may use X-rays, endoscopies, and ultrasounds in more serious cases. These tools can help identify intestinal obstructions, tumours, or foreign bodies. An abdominal ultrasound could even prove decisive in the case of pancreatitis or gastric torsion.
Treatments and Prevention
Once the cause has been identified, various strategies exist to treat gastrointestinal problems and prevent their recurrence. Diet plays a crucial role in your beloved pet's health. Easily digestible foods, low in fat, can help reduce intestinal inflammation. However, specific foods for animals with intolerances or allergies may be prescribed for chronic cases.
However, in the case of bacterial infections, the Veterinarian may also prescribe targeted antibiotics, supplements, lactic ferments, probiotics, and helpful prebiotics to restore healthy intestinal flora. Prevention is also fundamental: Regular deworming and using antiparasitics reduce the risk of infections from intestinal parasites. Not to mention that even the daily cleaning of bowls and water quality can be relevant for preventive purposes.
A final mention also goes to stress: creating a calm and predictable environment can significantly reduce anxiety-related stomach problems in cats. Thus, synthetic pheromones help calm the most sensitive animals.
Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.
Affiliate Disclosure: we want to be transparent with our readers. Some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services we believe will add value to your journey as a new pet parent.
Post a Comment