Vomiting & Diarrhoea

Vomiting
Causes of vomiting include : inflammation of the stomach as with:gastro-enteritis; viral infections such as feline enteritis or canine parvo-virus; eating contaminated food. Constipation Respiratory infections where there is a sore inflamed throat. Allergies. Ear disease with loss of balance or dizziness. Meningitis. Other disease such as kidney or liver disease.

Diarrhoea
Causes of diarrhoea include : Inflammation of the bowel as with gastro-enteritis; viral infections such as feline enteritis or canine parvo-virus; eating contaminated food. Food allergies Physical damage to the bowel. Metabolic disease such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease or liver disease.
If diarrhoea affects the upper bowel near the stomach, the animal will go to the toilet frequently but will retain control. Lower bowel problems will be associated with loss of control, and mucus or blood being present in the motions.

Vomiting and diarrhoea end up causing a loss of water from the body. This causes dehydration, loss of body salts, especially sodium chloride and a loss of proteins and sugars from the bowel. Loss of salts further adds to the feelings of nausea, pain and exhaustion caused by dehydration. Dehydration may be made worse if the animal feels too ill to drink to replace the lost water.

Treatment For gastroenteritis
Treatment involves, a short term change of diet, replacement of lost fluids and salts and perhaps medication to limit the pain and spasms.
For dietary Control Feed a liquid, high starch, low fat food such as soup made with potatoes or rice as well as meat or chicken. Feed small quantities regularly during the day rather than one or two large meals. Give small amounts of water frequently. Avoid milk. Provide warmth. Contact your vet in very young or old animals, if your pet seems depressed or there is not a fast resolution of symptoms

Parvo-virus

Canine Parvo-virus is a highly contagious, often fatal, viral disease. It is spread by direct or indirect contact with dogs and puppies incubating, or who have contracted the virus. Contact with other pups or walks in suspect areas is not advised until the full course of vaccinations has been administered.
The first signs of Parvo-virus include depression, lethargy and inappetance, followed by vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, being most severe in young dogs and puppies.
If treatment at home is chosen:
Intensive care is of great importance to effect a cure and you should conatct your Vet or Veterinary emergency cntre ASAP.