GASTROENTERITIS

General Information

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestinal linings that can lead to vomiting and eventually diarrhea. It can be caused by bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, as well as inflammations secondary to foreign body irritation or ingestion of foods rich in protein. The most common cause in dogs is referred to as garbage gastritis, for those pets that enjoy investigating rubbish.

Signs depend upon the amount of irritation and the cause of the inflammation. Common signs include vomiting, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, diarrhea and restlessness. Occasionally, in pets whose signs do not respond to medical therapy, an ultrasound or exploratory surgery may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Important Points in Treatment

1. Radiographs (x-rays) are used as an aid in ruling out foreign bodies and to identify lesions in the stomach itself. Occasionally, dyes will be used to image the inner stomach lining.

2. Blood tests can often determine if the vomiting is related to any underlying medical condition.

3. Give all medication as directed. Call the doctor if you cannot give the medication.

Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:

• Your pet seems depressed or reluctant to eat.

• Your pet vomits or has diarrhea or blood in the stool.

• Your pet shows signs of abdominal pain.

• Your pet's signs recur or there is a change in your pet's general health

Acute Pancreatitis

General Information

The pancreas lies within the abdominal cavity beside the small intestine. It produces enzymes (chemicals that break down food for digestion), and hormones like insulin, which regulates blood sugar.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It is a serious condition that occurs most frequently in overweight, middle aged, female dogs but it may occur in any individual. The disorder causes pain, vomiting, depression and occasionally shock and death.

There are two main forms of acute or sudden onset pancreatitis: 1) the mild, edematous form and 2) the more severe, hemorrhagic form. A few dogs that recover from an acute episode of pancreatitis may continue to have recurrent bouts of the acute disease, known as chronic, relapsing pancreatitis. The associated inflammation allows digestive enzymes to spill into the abdominal cavity resulting in secondary damage to the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder, and intestines, and may even lead to peritonitis.

What causes it?

The cause of pancreatitis is not known; however, there may be several contributory factors. It is often associated with eating a rich, fatty meal. In some cases, it may be associated with the administration of corticosteroids; however, some dogs with pancreatitis do not have exposure to either.

Under normal conditions, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are activated when they reach the small intestines. In pancreatitis, these enzymes are activated prematurely in the pancreas instead of in the small intestines. This results in digestion of the pancreas itself. The clinical signs of pancreatitis are often variable, and the intensity of the disease will depend on the quantity of enzymes that are prematurely activated.

The diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on three criteria: clinical signs, laboratory tests, and radiographs (x-rays) and/or ultrasound examination. The disease usually causes nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the attack is severe, acute shock, depression, and death may occur.

The diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on three criteria: clinical signs, laboratory tests, and radiographs (x-rays) and/or ultrasound examination. The disease usually causes nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the attack is severe, acute shock, depression, and death may occur.

Laboratory tests usually reveal an elevated white blood cell count. The elevation of pancreatic enzymes in the blood is probably the most helpful criteria in detecting pancreatic disease, but some dogs with pancreatitis will have normal enzyme levels. Radiographs and ultrasound studies may show an area of inflammation in the location of the pancreas. Unfortunately, many dogs with pancreatitis will elude detection with any of these tests. Many times treatment will be started based on the clinical signs noted and history taken during your pet’s examination.

 Important Points in Treatment

The successful management of pancreatitis will depend on early diagnosis and prompt medical therapy. The mild form of the disease is best treated by resting the pancreas from its role in digestion. The only way to "turn off" the pancreas is to withhold all oral fluids and food. Intravenous fluids are started to prevent dehydration and to maintain normal electrolyte balance. Pain medications, antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acids often help make your pet more comfortable, and speed up recovery. The presence of shock necessitates the immediate and intense use of intravenous fluids and shock medications.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the extent of the disease when presented and a favorable response to initial therapy. Dogs that present with shock and depression have a very guarded prognosis. Most of the mild forms of pancreatitis have a good prognosis.

DENTAL CARE:

February typically is the month we try to emphasize dental care.  Tartar and gingivitis are common medical conditions that are preventable with at home care.  Left untreated, your pet could require anesthesia to remove teeth and treat severe dental infections.  Bacteria that arise from these infections also have the potential to spread to heart valves and kidneys, causing potentially life threatening conditions that may be difficult to resolve.

Typically, dogs have issues with tartar build up, that leads to gingival disease and tooth loss.  Cats more frequently develop caries, which cause the tooth crown and root to erode, leading to stomatitis, a painful condition where ulcers and infection develop along the gums, throat, and pallate.                                            

Many diets and treats are available to help pets keep there teeth clean.  Some pets will even be cooperative enough to allow there caretakers to brush their teeth.  Special toothpastes for dogs and cats are available that will not cause illness if swallowed.                                                      Signs of dental disease include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, and in severe cases, facial swelling or eye or nose discharges that result from tooth root abscesses. If you think your pet might have a dental issue, please call the clinic to set up an appointment with the veterinarian. Otherwise, your pet's teeth will be evaluated by your veterinarian at his or her wellness exam.