Pets can experience stomach issues that may disrupt their well-being. It's essential to understand these issues and your pets’ symptoms for prompt action whenever they occur. Most issues pose severe health risks to your pets and must be addressed quickly. Contact our veterinarian at the Central Virginia Vett Clinic in Louisa, VA, if you notice symptoms of any of these stomach issues in your pets.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a condition often characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing significant discomfort for your pets. This inflammation can occur due to various factors, including viral or bacterial infections and dietary tracts, such as ingesting spoiled food or foreign objects.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually include frequent vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a general sense of lethargy. Mild cases can resolve with proper care and dietary adjustments. Severe or prolonged episodes can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss. It's essential to seek veterinary attention promptly to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
GDV or bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach becomes distended and may rotate. Factors such as rapid eating, excessive food or water consumption, genetics, and stress may contribute to this condition. The key symptoms of GDV include unproductive attempts to vomit, restlessness, a bloated or distended abdomen, difficulty breathing, and signs of pain.
If left untreated, GDV can quickly become fatal as the distended stomach may cut off blood supply to vital organs, leading to tissue damage and shock. Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial to alleviate the gas buildup, reposition the stomach, and stabilize the condition.
Pancreatitis
This condition, characterized by pancreas inflammation, can also cause significant stomach issues in your pets’. The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion by producing enzymes that break down food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can lead to severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
A high-fat diet, obesity, certain medications, and underlying health conditions can trigger this. It requires prompt veterinary attention, as severe cases can lead to complications such as dehydration, organ failure, and even pancreas damage. Treatment typically involves supportive care, pain management, dietary modifications, and addressing any underlying causes to manage the inflammation and promote healing.
Work with Our Veterinarian to Keep Pets Healthy
Stomach issues can range in severity and the risks they pose to your pet. Mild cases of gastroenteritis may resolve with proper care and dietary adjustments, while more severe conditions like GDV demand immediate veterinary intervention to prevent organ damage and potentially save the pets’ lives.
Consult with our veterinarian at Central Virginia Vet Clinic in Louisa, VA, to assess any underlying stomach issues, and get appropriate treatment, to ensure the well-being of your cherished pets. Call our office at (540) 967-1404 to schedule an appointment.