Gastrointestinal issues in Dogs
One of the most common presenting issues in vet clinics is vomiting and/or diarrhoea. We understand that these cases are both worrying and messy for owners, and obviously can be distressing for your dog.
Assessment & Treatment
Most cases clear up with supportive treatment – anti-nausea medication, pain relief and binding products with dietary manipulation are the most common ways we treat this, and it often resolves well.
If not resolving easily, or our clinical exam makes us concerned, we may advise a range of further testing – radiographs (x-rays) and or ultrasound. For example, a suspected foreign body ingestion (a sock being stuck in the abdomen is something we see regularly) or other possible diseases underlying.
Some dogs, however, seem prone to stomach upsets and present recurrently. These situations may require further testing to rule out several possible longer term causes.
Basic blood tests, urinalysis and faecal testing are the starting point with these dogs. We also check worming is up to date.
If these tests come back normal, we usually recommend an Elimination Diet to rule out food hypersensitivities. Some dogs may require specialised blood tests to rule out the less common underlying causes such as Addison’s disease (lack of production of steroid hormones in the body). In severe or ongoing cases, a referral to an internal medicine specialist may be warranted.
We are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have, so please speak to one of our friendly staff.