Diarrhea in Companion Animals

Inflammation of the intestines, often in dogs and cats, characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.

A type of surgical treatment for large intestinal diarrhea that involves removing a section of the intestine containing a tumor or other diseased tissue.

Medications used to suppress the immune system and manage inflammatory bowel disease in animals.

A common intestinal parasite in dogs and cats that can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues.

Proactive measures, including vaccinations, deworming, and proper hygiene, to prevent large intestinal diarrhea in animals.

A procedure used to diagnose intestinal problems in dogs by examining a sample of tissue taken from the intestine. This helps determine the underlying cause of the diarrhea.

A diagnostic approach to find the cause of diarrhea in dogs by temporarily eliminating certain food ingredients from their diet. It typically lasts for 4-8 weeks.

A type of exclusion diet trial using proteins that are new to the dog and not commonly found in their regular diet. This helps rule out food allergies.

A special type of diet using proteins that have been broken down into smaller, easier-to-digest particles. This helps rule out digestive issues related to protein digestion.

Medications that help protect the lining of the intestines, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

Medications that reduce stomach acid production, which can be helpful in treating intestinal inflammation and ulcers.

Medications that bind to the lining of the intestines, creating a protective layer and aiding in healing.

Live microorganisms that can benefit intestinal health. These are often used to replenish beneficial bacteria in the gut after treatment for diarrhea.

A comprehensive examination of the animal's physical state, including hydration, body condition score, mucous membranes color, and a careful palpation of the abdomen.

A basic blood test that assesses the number and types of blood cells, helping to identify conditions like anemia and inflammation.

A comprehensive blood test that measures the levels of various substances in the blood, such as electrolytes, proteins, and enzymes, providing valuable information about organ function and overall health.

Microscopic examination of a stool sample to detect parasites, bacteria, and other abnormalities that may be causing diarrhea.

A stool test that uses a rapid antigen detection kit to identify the presence of specific parasites, such as Giardia, Parvovirus, and FeLV.

A test that measures the levels of proteins in the blood, which can be helpful in assessing the severity of inflammation and infection.

A test that measures the level of a specific enzyme found in the pancreas, which can help diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

A test that measures the levels of hormones responsible for regulating thyroid function.

A test that measures the levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol, which can help diagnose hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease).

Imaging techniques that use X-rays to visualize the internal structures of the abdomen and thorax. Contrast agents can be used to highlight specific structures.

Diarrhoea is a condition characterized by frequent and loose stools, often associated with increased stool volume.

Diarrhoea is typically diagnosed when there is an increase in both stool frequency and volume, and the stool consistency becomes looser than usual.

The origin of diarrhoea can be determined by considering factors like the location of the affected gut segment (small or large intestine) and the underlying cause, such as infection, inflammation, or dietary factors.

The form of diarrhoea relates to the underlying mechanism causing the condition. Common types include osmotic diarrhoea due to fluid retention in the gut, secretory diarrhoea caused by increased fluid secretion, and dysmotility diarrhoea due to abnormal gut motility.

Small intestinal diarrhoea is characterized by normal to mildly increased stool frequency and volume, usually without mucous or straining. Blood in the stool might appear digested (melena).

Large intestinal diarrhoea is characterized by increased stool frequency and urgency, often with mucous and straining. Blood in the stool might appear fresh (hematochezia).

Acute small intestinal diarrhoea can have various causes. Infections are common, typically caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Other causes include toxic substances like drugs or heavy metals, dietary changes or intolerances, and obstructive conditions.

Chronic small intestinal diarrhoea suggests ongoing digestive issues. Common causes include food-responsive chronic enteropathy, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, various inflammatory bowel diseases, and ulcers.

Conditions like chronic gastritis, chronic enteritis, and various types of enteritis (plasmacytic-lymphocytic, eosinophilic, haemorrhagic) are common causes of chronic small intestinal diarrhoea.

Chronic small intestinal diarrhoea can be linked to disorders affecting intestinal lymphatics, potentially leading to conditions like mesenteric neoplasms, congestive heart failure, congestive pericarditis, and lymphosarcoma.

Acute large intestinal diarrhoea can be linked to non-specific colitis, obstruction, and various infections, particularly parasitic or bacterial.

Chronic large intestinal diarrhoea is often linked to inflammatory bowel diseases, parasitic infections, and neoplasia. These conditions can cause persistent digestive issues.

Small intestinal diarrhoea often features increased stool volume, while large intestinal diarrhoea usually involves a milder increase or normal volume.

In small intestinal diarrhoea, blood in the stool is typically digested (melena), whereas in large intestinal diarrhoea, the blood is fresh (hematochezia).

Diarrhoea often leads to weight loss, especially in cases of small intestinal diarrhoea. Large intestinal diarrhoea is generally less likely to cause significant weight loss.

Straining during defecation is more common in large intestinal diarrhoea due to the increased urgency and changes in stool consistency.