This Page is about Pet Diarrhea
and Constipation for Cats and Dogs.
It is a tough problem with a cat
or a dog. 
This page is a compendium of articles written about cat and dog feces and
defecating problems.
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"Diarrhea is one of the most common medical
symptoms of cats and dogs," says
Dr. Sheila McCullough, veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. "An owner's first reaction to diarrhea should be to note when it started, how often it is happening, how much your pet is straining to defecate, and what the character of the diarrhea is--bloody, black, mucous-like, or otherwise. In addition, you should try to recall unusual items that your pet may have eaten." |
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Welcome,
Diarrhea occurs when an accumulation of dissolved substances in the
intestine causes excess water to move into the intestine.
"This accumulation may be a result of decreased Effective 9-1-06 Unique Google search word to this page is "1aehrraiDteP " ( PetDiarrhea1 spelled backwards.)
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These helpers come in the form of carriers. If there
is too much fructose, carriers may not be numerous enough to be effective. A lot of fructose will be retained in the bowel causing diarrhea. If your pet eats something it cannot absorb--i.e., adult cats and dogs can't absorb milk sugar lactose--the overload of solutes in the intestine may cause diarrhea. These helpers come in the form of carriers. If there is too much fructose, carriers may not be numerous enough to be effective. A lot of fructose will be retained in the bowel causing diarrhea. If your pet eats something it cannot absorb--i.e., adult cats and dogs can't absorb milk sugar lactose--the overload of solutes in the intestine may cause diarrhea. |
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DiarrheaWhat causes dog diarrhea?Diarrhea in dogs is not a disease; rather, it is a
symptom of many different diseases. Many mild cases of dog diarrhea can be
resolved quickly with simple treatments. Others are the result of fatal
illnesses, such as cancer. Even diarrhea in dogs is caused by mild illnesses
may become fatal if treatment is not begun How serious is diarrhea in dogs?We attempt to determine how sick the dog has become as a consequence of the diarrhea. When the dog is systemically ill (i.e., more than one body system is involved), some of the following may be noted:
What types of tests are performed to find the cause?If dog diarrhea is associated with several of the
above signs, we perform a series of tests in the hope that a diagnosis can
be made.This permits more specific treatment. Diagnostic tests may include
radiography (x-rays) with or without barium, blood tests, stool cultures,
biopsies of the intestinal tract, and exploratory abdominal If your dog does not appear systemically ill from diarrhea, the cause may be less serious. Some of the minor causes of diarrhea include stomach or intestinal viruses, intestinal parasites, and dietary indiscretions (such as eating garbage or other offensive or irritating materials).A minimum number of tests are performed to rule out certain parasites and infections. These cases may be treated with drugs to control the motility of the intestinal tract, drugs that relieve inflammation in the intestinal tract, and, often, a special diet for a few days. This approach allows the body's healing mechanisms to correct the problem. We expect improvement within 2-4 days; if this does not occur,a change in medication or further tests are done to better understand the problem. |
How to Treat Dog DiarrheaMost dogs get diarrhea at least once in their lifetime. This will tell you how to treat minor diarrhea. Steps
Tips
Warnings
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Why Does My Dog, Cat Or Ferret Have Diarrhea?
Over-the-counter kaopectate was reformulated to contain bismuth subsalicylate in addition to the old ingredients which were attapulgite and alumina clay. Dogs can handle this compound well, but if too large a dose is given to cats it can be toxic. http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/nov03/031115b.asp Diarrhea accidents in your pet often warrant a rush to the veterinarian. This article tells you how I go about discovering the cause of diarrhea in your pet. Not every cause of diarrhea or medication is covered but the most important ones are. I limit this article to problems in dogs cats and ferrets – but it could apply as well to any of the exotic and wild animals. In more than half the cases, the diagnosis can be made from a fecal specimen and history alone. Try to bring in a fresh specimen – no need for more than a few tablespoons full. Because my patients can’t talk, the history that you give me is extremely important. The first question I will ask you is whether this is a sudden acute problem or if it is chronic and has been going on quite a while. The next thing I will ask is if you fed something unusual to the pet or if torn remnants of some household object are strewn about the house. Sudden diarrhea is most serious in very young, very old and very small pets. They can quickly become severely dehydrated. Dehydration in small pets and frail elderly animals can be fatal because their surface area is large in proportion to their body weight. As dehydration progresses these pets have trouble maintaining their body temperature and may lapse into coma. I hospitalize all pets in this group immediately and concentrate on maintaining hydration and body temperature. Intestinal inflammation in young pets with diarrhea causes the intestines to thrash about vigorously. Intestines sometimes tie themselves in knots (volvulus) or fold in upon themselves (intussusception). Both these conditions can be life threatening.
High Intestinal Problem vs. Low
Intestinal Problem:
A Primary or Secondary Problem: Diarrhea also occurs secondary to non-enteric or non-intestinal diseases of the organs of the body. When I am fortunate, blood work panels and a careful physical examination identify these diseases. Kidney failure causing uremia is a common cause of diarrhea in dogs, cats and ferrets. So is liver disease or hepatitis. Addison’s disease or an under active adrenal gland as well as an over-active thyroid or hyperthyroidism also cause diarrhea in dogs and cats. An acute inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis also will cause diarrhea in dogs and cats. You should find individual articles on each of these subjects at this website. If you don’t, remind me to write them. Non-Specific Treatment Diarrheas in dogs and cats caused by eating the
wrong things or transient stress often improve if you withhold food for 24 hours
and give the pet either kaopectate 0.5-1.0 ml/pound every four hours or
loperamide (0.2mg/ml Imodium, Equate WalMart) at 1ml per four pounds two or
three times a day. If the diarrhea persists longer than 48 hours email me at
second.chance2@verizon.net or
see your local veterinarian. If you visit your veterinarian, bring along a cup
full of stool. I often find the cause of the problem by passing the stool
through a sieve. Be sure they drink plenty of water so they do not become
dehydrated. Diarrhea Caused By Husbandry:
Pet Food Quality
Overeating
Foods That Don’t Agree With Pet
Stress
Dietary Indiscretions Diarrhea Caused By Medications And Chemicals:
Antibiotics And Sulfonamides
Other Drugs From The Pharmacy Parasites Of The Intestine: Nematode Parasites I have never found nematode parasites in ferrets. Hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and strongyloides are some of the nematode parasites that cause diarrhea in dogs and cats.. These organisms are the most common causes of diarrhea in puppies and kittens. They are a threat to children who are accidentally exposed to animal stool. You can read about these parasites and how I deal with them in another article in this series. The eggs of these parasites are usually seen in microscopic examination of the stool. Protozoan Parasites Protozoal parasites are single-celled microscopic parasites of the intestine. Diarrhea is their primary sign. This group includes coccidia and giardia. We treat them with bland diets, sulfonamides and metronidazole. Giardia can cause similar problems in pet owners – particularly children. Viral Infection:
Parvovirus Of Dogs
Coronavirus Of Cats Bacterial Infections:
Spoiled Food – Food Poisoning
Salmonella And Campylobacter In Dogs And Cats
Acute Gastroenteritis of Ferrets Problems Of Unknown Cause (Idiopathic):
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Of Dogs Eosinophilic Enteritis Of Cats This is a portion of eosinophilic complex of cats. The signs are diarrhea, weight loss and vomission. We suspect the problem is a food allergy. Cats with this problem often have elevated numbers of white blood cells called eosinophiles. These cells are associated with allergic conditions in pets and people. Sometimes the skin is ulcerated as well or ulcers are present on the lips tongue and mouth. The disease responds to injections and oral forms of corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone acetate. It also often responds to the human birth control medication, Depopovera (medroxyprogesterone acetate). Moving the cat to a different home or environment and feeding bland diets also help bring the disease into remission. I have also seen the skin and oral form of this disease disappear when fleas were eliminated from cats. Inflammatory Bowel Disease of Ferrets In this condition the lining of the stomach and small intestine becomes inflamed and may also ulcerate. Some feel that this condition is a form of autoimmune disease - others that it is due to allergies to various ingredients in ferret diets (possibly chicken). Perhaps both can play a part. Ferrets with this condition pass frequent loose watery stools and may also vomit. They become very thin. Diagnosis of this condition is often made by elimination of other causes. Exact diagnosis can only be made from biopsies of the pet’s intestine, which may require surgery. Because the symptoms are quite similar to acute and chronic bacterial gastroenteritis of ferrets, stool samples need to be cultured for these bacteria. When these causes of similar disease have been eliminated, the ferrets usually improve on a regimen of amoxicillin, metronidazole (Flagyl) and prednisolone. This disease is rarely cured but it can be managed. I usually also put these pets on Pepto-Bismol and Tagamet. It is hard to put weight on them because food moves too rapidly through their intestines and much of the absorptive power of the intestinal lining has been lost. This is why additional vitamins help these pets.
Lymphangiectasia Of Dogs Sometimes called plasmacytic enteritis, this condition is diagnosed by a pathologist’s examination of snippets of the wall of the small intestine which are removed at surgery. Lymphangiectasia is an improperly formed intestinal lymphatic system, which results in protein being lost from the body (protein-loosing enteropathy). We think that in some cases the pets were born with this disease and in others they acquired it later in life. Most affected pets respond to a combination of bland diet and anti-inflammatory doses of corticosteroid drugs such as dexamethasone or prednisolone but the disease is never cured. Diets you prepared should contain minimal fat with ample amounts of high-quality protein. In 2004, an organism call Bartonella was implicated in chronic gastrointestinal infections in cats and dogs. Until recently, Bartonella was primarily associated with Cat Scratch Fever. The diagnosis of Bartonella infection is made using a laboratory test called the Wesern Blot. When cats or dogs are positive for this organism it can be sucessfully treated using azithromycin, doxycycline or rifampin. |
Signs of ConstipationA constipated dog or cat exhibits infrequent or difficult evacuation of the feces or stool. The feces is usually hard and dry which increases straining and reduces stool volume. Causes of ConstipationMany things may cause constipation, but the most common are dietary and environmental factors. Dietary: Substances such as hair, bones or foreign materials ingested by a cat or dog can form hard masses or concretions when mixed with feces and cannot be eliminated, resulting in constipation. Water is essential to proper gastrointestinal function; therefore, if an animal is deprived of water, it will become constipated. Environmental factors: There may be many other causes of constipation such as those listed below:
Treatment of ConstipationTo treat your pet for constipation, the underlying cause must first be determined. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your pet and will ask you about your pet's medical history, its diet and its daily routine. Blood tests, x-rays or other tests may also be necessary and will be explained to you prior to testing. If it is determined that the underlying cause is due to disease or trauma, medical treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. Home Care Management for ConstipationDiets rich in fiber can be used to aid in the management of constipation in pets as in humans. The fiber increases water retention in the intestines which softens the stool. The increased bulk also increases the propulsive movements of the intestine, helping to alleviate the constipation.
Managing your pet's care at home is an important part of its treatment. It is essential you follow your veterinarian's instructions. If you have any questions about your pet's medical care, please do not hesitate to ask. Your questions are welcomed by the hospital staff. Sign of DiarrheaDiarrhea in a dog or cat is characterized by abnormally frequent, watery stools. Clinical signs associated with diarrhea include frequency of evacuation of loose feces which results in an increase in the volume of feces passed. The diarrheal feces contains not only increased amounts of water and electrolytes, but may also contain mucus, blood, fat or undigested food. Diarrhea can originate from the small intestine or the large intestine (colitis) and is further subclassified as acute (sudden onset of brief duration) or chronic (long-term). (See Colitis for a discussion of that condition.) Acute Diarrhea - Small Intestine Chronic Diarrhea - Small Intestine Causes of DiarrheaThe causes of diarrhea vary widely, but include bacteria, viruses, internal parasites and stress-induced factors. Diarrhea may also be caused by toxic substances which the animal ingests or by food allergies. A change in pet food, eating table scraps or rich snacks, or scavenging spoiled food from garbage may result in diarrhea as well. Organ dysfunction, especially the liver and pancreas, can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by internal parasites may be a continuous, chronic problem or be intermittent with a normal stool being passed between abnormal stools. Some parasites causing diarrhea in dogs and cats are transferable to humans. Therefore, it is important to identify the parasitic causes. It is important to note that young animals may be more severely affected by diarrhea than mature animals. Puppies should be carefully observed because their condition could quickly become life-threatening. However, it is important to differentiate between non-specific diarrhea and diarrhea caused by a more serious health problem. To treat your pet for diarrhea, your veterinarian must first diagnose the underlying cause. Treatment of DiarrheaInitially, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your pet and will ask you question about its health history and its diet and daily routine. Often the diagnosis can be made from the health history and physical exam and a treatment can be prescribed. It may be necessary to withhold all food from your pet for one or two days. The more severe the intestinal disturbance, the longer the period the food must be withheld. Continue to give your pet water during the fasting period. If your pet is severely dehydrated, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary before any diagnostic studies are begun. Your veterinarian may ask you to collect a fecal sample for microscopic examination to help diagnose the cause of the diarrhea. You will be given a plastic bag or container and instructed on how to obtain a fresh stool sample. Numerous fecal exams or rechecks may be necessary to detect internal parasites which can show up intermittently in the feces. In some cases of chronic diarrhea, a biopsy is necessary. This procedure involves obtaining a very small section of tissue from the intestine for microscopic study. This can be done through a small incision in the abdomen and involves only a few stitches to close. Home Care Management for Diarrhea
The diet for small intestinal diarrhea should provide a moderate amount of highly-digestible protein from cottage cheese, chicken and egg, and not more than 15 percent fat. Carbohydrates should be easily digestible such as those from rice or dextrose. Avoid diets with the following ingredients: wheat middlings, bran, and other cereal by-products; lactose (milk sugar) and foods containing more than 10 percent sucrose (table sugar). Do not give your pet bones, snacks or table scraps which may irritate the intestinal tract. Watch your pet at home - checking for recurrent bouts of diarrhea, blood or mucus in the feces, foreign material in the feces, and frequency of defecation. If any of these signs recur or if your pet becomes weak or loses its appetite, please call your veterinarian. Managing your pet's care at home is an important part of its treatment. It is essential that you follow your veterinarian's instructions. If you have any questions about your pet's medical care, please do not hesitate to ask your veterinary staff. |
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Diarrhea Question: Dear Dr. Richards: As usual, one of the feral cats I have been taking
care of has become my Is her stool normal for her age? Or is she having
diarrhea? Thank you very much. Answer: Thandar- From your description, I think that this is
probably an abnormal stool for Mike Richards, DVM Q: Hi Dr. Richards, Thank you for your response last week. I have a follow up question: Alex, a 3-yr old Ragdoll, had bad diarrhea, no
temperature, wouldn't eat and Alex had blood work done with results: Using a scope down his throat, he was biopsied and
all results, sent to U of He was put on prednisone, euroflaxin,and tylan for
a week. He is now eating My vet thinks it may be the corona virus which
would be chronic. Do you have Thanks, Pretty much all of the information that I can find
on feline coronavirus Rotavirus infection in cats has been reported to
cause chronic diarrhea Other infectious agents that cause chronic diarrhea
in cats and can be hard Hypersensitivity to a food ingredient is also
possible. Sometimes feeding a Intestinal lymphoma is another possible problem.
Usually this is The workup so far has been good and it is
frustrating to do the proper There are times when surgical exploration of the
abdomen and full thickness Since you are seeing progress, the best thing is
probably to go ahead with Good luck with this. Mike Richards, DVM Q: It seems we have
encountered a new or at least a VERY resistant strain of coccidia in the
area where I A: bj- I am not aware of new strains of coccidia or of coccidia which is highly resistant to treatment but that doesn't mean that there isn't a problem with them. We have used amprolium (CoRid Rx) when Albon didn't seem to be effective in dogs but have not used this in cats. In Dr.Morgan's text "Handbook of Small Animal Practice" 2nd ed., there is a dosage of amprolium listed for cats. We have used trimethoprim/sulfa combinations with good success except that some cats salivate excessively if they bite through the sugar coating on the tablets or if a pediatric suspension is used. Mike Richards, DVM Q: Thank you so much for
your site. Although I found it extremely Dee A: Dee- I can't think of any "normal" parasite that would
live in the kitten's It is somewhat unlikely that tapeworms would cause
the sort of persistent Drinking milk will cause diarrhea in many kittens
and it will persist as A fecal examination is a relatively inexpensive
test that would rule out It is not unusual for kittens to develop persistent
diarrhea. This can be a I know this isn't much help. It seems reasonable to
me to go for at least Mike Richards, DVM Q: My kitten is not doing well :( Please take the time to answer this - we don't want
to put her to sleep We have a 11 week old kitten who has had awful
diarrhea for the past 4 A: Jason- Diarrhea in kittens is a major diagnostic challenge
in some instances. It All of this testing is expensive but it is hard to
treat chronic diarrhea |