Help, My Dog is Vomiting

Vomiting in dogs is a very common occurrence and can arise from a wide variety of causes, from simple gastritis to complex diseases of other body systems. Not only is it very distressing for both the dog and owner, it also provides a challenge for the veterinarian. This article explains the multiple causes of vomiting in dogs, including adverse food reactions, and the range of treatment options available.

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What is vomiting?

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Vomiting is the expulsion of food, fluid or debris from the stomach or small intestine due to coordinated movements of the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It is important to differentiate this from regurgitation, which is a passive process rather than a coordinated effort like vomiting.

Regurgitation is a sign of disease in the esophagus, such as obstructions (foreign bodies such as a stick, bone or toy, or a stricture), esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or megaesophagus (dilatation of the esophagus due to weakening of the smooth muscle). The main difference between regurgitation and vomiting is that regurgitation is effortless, while vomiting is accompanied by strong abdominal contractions.

How can I tell vomiting and regurgitation apart?

Sometimes this is not easy to do. Generally speaking, if it happens immediately after eating it is more likely to be regurgitation (though vomiting can still occur then). If the content of the material expelled appears to be completely undigested food, this also supports regurgitation. If the presence of bile can be confirmed though, it is more likely to be vomiting.

Causes of vomiting

The most common causes of vomiting are dietary related, either through dietary indiscretion (e.g. overeating, eating overly rich or spoiled food) which causes acute (sudden) vomiting, or adverse food reactions (food allergies) which can cause chronic (long term and intermittent) vomiting.

However, there are a huge number of other causes arising from either the gastrointestinal system itself (stomach and small intestine) or secondary to disease elsewhere in the body (e.g. liver or kidney disease). Within the stomach, possible causes include:

1. Gastritis (inflammatory disease)

2. Stomach ulceration

3. Stomach cancer

4. Obstruction (foreign bodies, telescoping of intestine)

5. Hiatal hernia (part stomach herniating through the diaphragm)

Possible causes within the intestine include:

1. Infectious diseases (e.g. parvovirus)

2. Worms

3. Inflammatory bowel disease

4. Intestinal cancer

Secondary causes of vomiting that are due to disease elsewhere in the body include:

1. Pancreatitis (infection or inflammation of the pancreas)

2. Peritonitis (infection in the abdominal cavity)

3. Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

4. Kidney failure

5. Pyometra (infection of the uterus)

6. Hormonal deficiencies or excesses (e.g. Addisons disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Septicemia, Calcium imbalance)

Other potential causes that do not fit into the above categories are drug reactions (e.g. digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, NSAIDs) and neurological disorders.

Treatment of vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Whether or not treatment is appropriate depends upon the individual circumstances. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, is bright and otherwise normal on examination, treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive digestive systems will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise well this should be ignored.

For acute vomiting cases, the first step should always be to starve the dog for 24 hours (while keeping plenty of water available ad lib). After the period of starvation, the dog should be offered small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Meals should be fed as smaller portions several times a day, rather than one larger meal.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve patient demeanor and comfort, it is no replacement for making a correct diagnosis of the underlying cause, and certain drugs can be harmful if given blindly (for example, giving metoclopromide to a dog with a gastric or intestinal obstruction). Certainly cases of acute and severe vomiting require immediate treatment, as dogs can become rapidly dehydrated, develop electrolyte imbalances and aspiration pneumonia otherwise.

Managing the vomiting dog

There are 2 goals when dealing with a vomiting dog:

1. Identify the underlying cause

2. Stop the vomiting in a safe and effective manner

In many cases, anti emetic therapy (the technical term for vomiting is emesis, and therefore drugs used to treat it are called anti emetics) is instigated immediately while the cause is being established.

A veterinarian will start by taking a full history, focusing especially on normal diet, recent medication, vaccination status and the description of the symptoms. He or she must first make sure that the dog is genuinely vomiting and not regurgitating, which has a completely different set of underlying causes. It is also important to get a graphic description of the material expelled, and whether it contained bile, fresh blood or what appears to be coffee granules (partly digested blood).

The next step is a full clinical examination, including carefully feeling the abdomen, taking the dogs rectal temperature and assessing the hydration status. Once this is completed, a veterinarian will have a slightly narrowed down list of differential diagnoses in mind. If the dog is not dehydrated, bright in demeanor, and both vital parameters and feeling the abdomen were normal, the veterinarian will often (and rightly so) make a presumptive diagnosis of gastritis, or gastroenteritis if diarrhea is present too, and prescribe antibiotics to combat the likely bacterial infection. The owner is then likely to be sent home with instructions to starve the dog for 24hrs and give bland food for a few days, alongside the antibiotics. The owner is instructed to monitor the dog closely, and return immediately if there are any signs of deterioration, or 2 to 3 days later for a routine check up.

If there are any findings in the clinical history or the physical examination that trigger concern, then further tests are necessary. The first of these is usually blood tests for hematology and biochemistry profiles. Urine and feces may also be analysed, the latter for either nasty bacteria or parasites. Additional laboratory tests may be required in certain circumstances, such as bile acid stimulation testing if liver dysfunction is suspected, or an ACTH stimulation test to look for adrenal disease.

The next stage of the work up involves imaging. The most useful is abdominal radiography (xrays), but ultrasonography and endoscopy can also be very important. Radiography and endoscopy both have to be carried out under general anesthesia, while ultrasonography can be performed conscious. If the imaging does not reveal the underlying cause then biopsies may be taken, either endoscopically guided or via exploratory surgery. Histopathology of these samples (studying the tissue microscopically) can give vital clues as to the cause, particularly by differentiating between inflammation and cancer.

The final diagnostic option is the therapeutic trial. If the dog gets better on the medication prescribed, then it must have been a certain type of disease that responds to that drug. By this rationale, wormers, antibiotics or an exclusion diet trial may be chosen.

Drugs used in the treatment of vomiting

1. Stomach protectants and antacids

These medications are useful when stomach ulceration is suspected. Examples include sucralfate (acts like a band aid over the ulcer), H2 antagonists (reduce acid production) and omeprazole (also reduces acidity).

2. Metoclopromide

This drug blocks a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine, which prevents activation of the vomiting centre in the brain (known as the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone). It is only partially effective in doing this though, and has the additional effect of increasing forward motility of the gut. This means it must never be given to dogs that might have a stomach or intestinal obstruction. It can also cause mental changes such as hyperactivity and disorientation.

3. Phenothiazines (e.g. Acepromazine, ACP)

These are effective at blocking the dopamine receptors mentioned above, in addition to other receptors involved in the vomiting reflex. They are usually used when metoclopromide has failed, but also have undesirable side effects such as low blood pressure and sedation.

4. Antihistamines

Histamine receptors are also present in the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone, the part of the brain that controls the vomiting reflex. Antihistamines are effective in blocking vomiting that is due to motion sickness, but are little use against other causes.

5. Domperidone

Domperidone has a similar action to metoclopromide in that it blocks dopamine receptors and secondarily blocks serotonin receptors, but it does not have the promotility effects of metoclopromide. However, side effects include vulval enlargement and possible effects on fertility.

6. Maropitant

This is a new drug that is a Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It can be given orally or by injection, and is extremely effective at stopping vomiting by working both on the vomiting centre in the brain and on the stomach itself. It is deemed so effective at stopping vomiting that veterinarians must be careful to properly investigate potentially dangerous underlying causes, that could be masked fatally by this drug.

Help, My Dog is Vomiting

Dr David Brooks is part of the online veterinary team at PetInsuranceExpert.co.uk [http://www.petinsuranceexpert.co.uk] - the complete UK pet insurance resource. Visit us today to find the right pet insurance for your pet

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My Dog Has Diarrhea and Is Vomiting - What Happened

Diarrhea and vomiting are common occurrences among pooches. However, a single episode of diarrhea or vomiting isn't something to be overly concerned about. You usually discover that your hungry hound has just wolfed down something that he shouldn't have eaten and now he's paying the price by regurgitating. Diarrhea occurs when your dog's body attempts to process the food quickly just to be rid of it.

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However, you do need to be concerned when these symptoms persist for more than a day. Diarrhea and vomiting could be signs or symptoms of an underlying illness or worms. Your dog could have ingested toxic food such as rodent bait, resulting in food poisoning.

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You will need to check your dog for any signs that his physical condition has changed. A good place to start would be checking to see if his eyes are still bright and alert. Verify that your dog isn't listless or running a temperature, as veterinary attention should be given in these cases. Do take some time to observe what your dog has vomited or defecated to check for unusual materials and odd color. If your dog shows signs of discomfort and strains himself as he defecates, check to see if the stools contain traces of blood or appears to be full of mucus, as these would need a vet's advice.

Your dog might still appear perky, but it is unusual for symptoms to persist beyond a day, so do get your vet to check him over to see what's ailing the dog. This would also help prevent the symptoms from worsening. If it is simply something he shouldn't have eaten then the vet can prescribe some medication to help stop the diarrhea and vomiting. You will also be advised on your dog's water and food intake to compensate for the loss of mineral salts and possible loss of hydration in your dog. Dietary restrictions on your dog are usually implemented for the next two or three days. Food that is low in fat and easily digestible is usually advised to avoid undue pressure put on a already weakened digestive system.

On the other hand, if your dog is plagued by worms or other internal parasites, your vet will prescribe treatment to expel them and set up a treatment routine to help to prevent their recurrence. Dogs tend to love to explore and can pick up these parasites from other dogs' or from other dogs' fecal matter. Another possible reason for diarrhea or vomiting could be due to an allergic reaction. The vet would also be able to determine if your dog developed an allergy to something he's eaten or come into contact with, resulting in an adverse violent reaction.

Should your dog be suffering from a serious ailment; investigation, treatment and good nursing care will be necessary. If your dog is very weak due to repeated purging, he will be placed in overnight care at the surgery for intravenous therapy to maintain hydration. Tests will be conducted to establish whether your dog is harboring viruses or bacteria that may affect his liver or his digestive system.

The longer your dog suffers, the greater the possibility there will be for the situation to worsen. When in doubt, always get veterinary advice as soon as possible.

My Dog Has Diarrhea and Is Vomiting - What Happened

Moses Wright is the webmaster of DogCustomer.com. He provides more information on Dog Health, Dog Health Care and Dog Veterinary Diseases that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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Dog Vomiting - What Could Make Your Dog Vomit?

If your dog vomits from time to time, it may not be a reason for concern, but when this happens really often, and then it is time to get worried.

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Dog vomiting can also mean tract inflammation, and this can also mean that the dog is lacking some digestive enzymes. The dog can also have an allergy to something or a problem in the intestinal tract.

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If you see that the vomit puddle is filled with food that looks undigested, the vomiting can be due to stress or overeating. In some rare cases, the undigested food can also point to food poisoning. But this is up to the vet to decide and then prescribe the correct medicine.

Some dogs tend to eat whatever they encounter and this can be really bad for their stomach. Many dogs also tend to overeat and this can lead to vomiting episodes too. If you see blood in the vomit than it means the dog has a serious health condition. In this case professional assistance is required. Internal laceration can appear when the bowel and the intestines are inflamed.

In many cases the inflamed digestive track solves the problem by vomiting. But in some cases a visit to the vet is necessary. So make sure to keep the dog as comfortable as you can and let him vomit. Then notice how the vomit appears and take a sample for the vet to analyze. Do not frighten the dog when he is vomiting because this will add up to its stress. The dog already knows that bodily fluids on the carpet are a bad thing and you do not want to add up to its stress.

Sometimes, the puppies vomit because their digestive system is undeveloped and needs to learn how to cope with new food. Also, puppies are greedy and they want to eat as much as possible till they throw up. Puppies also tend to taste things just for the fun of it and they can get accidentally poisoned. So keep an eye on your new puppy and if you see any symptoms take it immediately to the doctor.

You should also know that digestive problems are quite common in puppies, especially ones that belong to large breeds.

But the rule is: if the dog vomits twice in 24 hours, for more than 2 days in a row, than take it to the vet for the proper investigation. Make sure to follow all the rules mentioned above. And also talk to the breeder that sold you the dog. Make sure you have the entire medical history of the puppy. If you also see that the dog is vomiting after lunch hours, prepare the area for it and wait for the vomiting episode to occur. Try to restrict his movements during those vomiting episodes so that you can handle the mess.

Make sure that you notice the vomit of your dog and never let the dog re-ingest the vomit. Also, it is best to take the dog to the vet if you notice the slightest symptoms and problems. You know what people like to say: better safe than sorry, right?

Dog Vomiting - What Could Make Your Dog Vomit?

Want to know more about vomiting in dogs? On DogVomiting.Net you can find articles about dog vomiting, dog vomiting causes and dog vomiting home remedies.

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