Acute Vomiting & Diarrhea in Dogs

Overview

Craig Datz, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline), DACVN, University of Missouri

Vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a primary gastrointestinal (GI) disorder or a manifestation of a systemic, non-GI disease. A thorough history helps characterize the problem as acute, chronic, intermittent, recurrent, and/or progressive. The veterinary team’s initial goal is to distinguish between a mild, self-limiting GI problem and a more serious disorder. If the condition is determined to be serious, the patient may require a more complete diagnostic workup and possibly hospitalization for advanced treatment.

Related Article: Top 5 Indications for Fluid Therapy

There are many causes of acute vomiting and diarrhea (see Table 1), and more than one may be present. Primary GI disorders may be distinguished from metabolic or systemic diseases that can affect more than one system.

Common Causes of GI Signs

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• Dietary indiscretion

• Drug reaction

• Food allergy

• Infection

• Inflammation

• Motility disorder

• Neopasia

• Obstruction

• Parasites

• Toxicosis

• Ulceration

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• Cardiorespiratory disorder

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Endocrinopathy

• Liver or biliary disorder

• Neoplasia

• Neurologic disorder

• Pancreatitis

• Peritonitis

• Septicemia, endotoxemia

• Urologic disease, uremia

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Initial Assessment

The team should first record a clinical history that includes: signalment; vaccinations (especially for puppies and kittens); travel history; environmental, foreign body, or toxin exposure; weight history; current and previous medical conditions and medications; and a thorough dietary history (eg, recent diet changes, appetite, meals, treats, supplements, human food, water intake [see Dietary History]).

The client should be asked to describe the frequency, volume, and characteristics of the vomitus or feces; many online resources are available to assist clients with identifying these characteristics (eg, Waltham Faeces Scoring System). Vomiting should be distinguished from regurgitation, coughing, retching, or gagging. Diarrhea is defined as an increase in the fluid content of feces, often with increased volume and frequency of defecation.

Physical Examination

Thoroughly examine all patients that present for vomiting and/or diarrhea. Lethargy, fever, or hypothermia often indicates a more serious disease. Evidence of dehydration, icterus, or pallor may be detected with an oral/pharyngeal examination and skin turgor assessment. Abdominal palpation may reveal pain, distension, effusion, thickened intestinal loops, organomegaly, or masses. Perform a rectal examination to detect any masses, strictures, blood, foreign material, or anal sac disorders and to collect a fresh fecal sample.

Treatment Plan

Craig Datz, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline), DACVN University of Missouri

Diagnostic Work

In addition to history and physical examination results, the minimum database for a patient with acute vomiting and/or diarrhea includes diagnostic imaging, a fresh fecal sample for analysis, and blood for packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein (TP). Values gleaned from rapid measurement of electrolytes (ie, K+, Na+, Cl-) can be helpful, as can other in-practice tests (eg, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen [BUN]). Fecal analysis should go beyond simple flotation for parasites and include a gross examination for color, consistency, foreign material, mucus, and the presence or absence of blood (eg, melena, hematochezia). Other diagnostic testing should include:

• Wet mount (saline smear): Reveals protozoa or other parasites

• Stained fecal cytology (dry mount): Detects blood cells and (rarely) fungal organisms or neoplastic cells. Stained smears can identify bacteria and yeast, which are visible but nondiagnostic.

• Flotation by centrifugation: Detects parasite ova and oocysts

• Fecal culture: Rarely diagnostic except for detection of Tritrichomonas blagburni (foetus) in cats

• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): Detects antigens associated with parvovirus, giardiasis, and cryptosporidiosis

• PCR GI panels: Detects multiple organisms. These recently became available at some laboratories; however, interpretation can be difficult because both false-positive and false-negative results are possible.

Additional laboratory work (eg, CBC, serum chemistry panel, urinalysis, specific GI testing [eg, pancreatic function, cobalamin, folate]) can be performed based on severity or responsiveness.

Imaging

Imaging (eg, survey radiographs, contrast studies, abdominal ultrasonography) should be used during a more comprehensive evaluation. Two views of the abdomen (ie, right lateral, ventrodorsal) should be obtained routinely, but consider the opposite lateral when assessing for obstruction or masses. Barium can be administered orally or rectally for contrast studies of the entire GI tract or specific areas (eg, esophagus, colon). A skilled ultrasonographer can perform imaging of the stomach, intestines, and associated organs (eg, pancreas, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands). Endoscopy, CT, MRI, and other imaging techniques may be available; however, these require anesthesia and are thus generally reserved for more serious or chronic cases.

Treatment

Treatment should be directed toward the underlying cause. Symptomatic therapy may include fluids and electrolytes, nutritional support, and various medications. Administer a balanced crystalloid solution if dehydration is present or suspected.

Previous recommendations to “rest” the GI tract by withholding food and water are considered outdated except during active vomiting. Highly digestible, low-residue, energy-dense veterinary therapeutic diets are available to help restore GI health (eg, Purina Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric; Iams Veterinary Formula Intestinal Plus Low-Residue; Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Gastrointestinal Health; Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal). Fat restriction is recommended for dogs that have confirmed or suspected acute pancreatitis.

Team Roles

Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition)

The following guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of each team member when managing a GI patient, from client communication to diagnosis and treatment.

Team Training Plan

Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition)

Excellent client service and patient care starts with understanding the client’s concerns. Training on active listening skills is important for the entire team.

The front-desk team should receive training to understand the basic signs of acute gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. Training should include an understanding that while mild cases are often treated on an outpatient basis, more severe cases may require hospitalization. Patients that have concurrent medical conditions (eg, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease) should be examined by the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Obtaining a complete patient and nutritional history is important for all patients, especially those showing any signs of acute gastroenteritis. Veterinary technicians should receive training and become comfortable with obtaining a complete nutritional history (see Dietary History).

Team training on sample collection, handling, preparation, and reading fecal flotations, wet mounts, and fecal smears is necessary to ensure accurate results. Education on these topics is available online and at continuing education veterinary conferences, and can be organized within the practice. Veterinarians and experienced veterinary technicians can also assist with educating other team members. Training veterinary technicians in the proper positioning and techniques to obtain diagnostic abdominal radiographs will allow veterinarians to identify masses, obstructions, and other abnormalities.

Related Article: The Value of Fecal Examinations for Your Practice

Communication Keys

Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition)

There are many causes of acute gastroenteritis, including infectious, toxic, and dietary factors. Most mild cases are the result of dietary indiscretion, consuming raw or undercooked meat, and diet changes.³ It is important to explain to clients the necessity of gradually transitioning a pet from one diet to another. The veterinary team should explain the importance of feeding a low-fat, easily digestible therapeutic diet exclusively and avoiding high-fat foods and treats—as well as educate how to transition back to the normal diet at the appropriate time.

Related Article: The Art of Telephone Triage

Every team member should be familiar with the practice protocols regarding the recommended diagnostic testing and be comfortable discussing these options with clients. Clients may not retain all the veterinarian’s information, so it is important that other team members are able to answer questions and explain why certain diagnostics were recommended. When reviewing the costs of the diagnostic plan with the client, a team member should explain how recommended tests may help the veterinarian diagnose the patient’s condition.

The veterinary team should explain to the client that, although many cases of acute gastroenteritis resolve with medical and nutritional support, some cases may require more aggressive therapy. Clients should be advised to closely monitor the patient at home and to contact the practice if the symptoms worsen or do not improve. The veterinary team should be available to answer questions, consult with the veterinarian when necessary, and offer advice and provide support to the client. A team member should call the client 1–2 days after discharge for an update on the patient’s condition and to answer any questions.