Dogs' Health Problems: Vomiting

Description

• Vomiting is the forceful ejection of a dog’s stomach and upper intestine contents through the mouth. Many dog owners confuse vomiting with regurgitation, which is the expulsion of food from the mouth or esophagus. Both vomiting and regurgitation can occur directly after a dog eats or a few hours later. However, a dog’s stomach muscles contract violently when it vomits, which does not occur when food is regurgitated.

When to See the Vet

• When dogs vomit more than once, there may be a serious problem that requires veterinary care. Blood in the vomit and dry heaving that does not result in vomiting may also be indications of a serious health issue. Vomiting in dogs that is accompanied by fever; a swollen or bloated abdomen; pale or yellow gums; diarrhea; or pain also requires immediate veterinary intervention. If your dog has vomited and you believe that it may have ingested a poisonous substance, you should call a veterinarian immediately as well. In addition, puppies who have not received all of their vaccinations and experience vomiting should also see a vet.

Causes

• Canine vomiting is caused by a variety of illnesses and physical issues. Some simple causes include food sensitivity, changes in diet, medication side effects, motion sickness or eating from the trash. Vomiting may also occur in dogs with stomach ulcers; bacterial infections; viral infections like parvovirus, distemper or coronavirus; and intestinal parasites like hookworms. Gastritis, pancreatitis, intestinal or kidney obstructions and twisting of the stomach may also cause vomiting. In addition, vomiting may be a symptom of a serious medical issue such as kidney failure, liver failure, stomach or upper intestinal cancer, and other tumors throughout the body. Dogs that ingest toxins are also prone to vomiting.

Diagnosis

• In order to diagnosis the cause of a dog’s vomiting, veterinarians discuss the symptoms with owners and perform a physical exam on the animal. Several facts help vets make their diagnosis, including how suddenly the symptoms occurred; what the vomit looked like; how often vomiting occurs; whether other symptoms such as fever, pain and diarrhea are present; and what the dog’s medical history is.

  During a physical exam, the vet will check the dog’s temperature and weight, as well as its heart and respiration rate. She may examine the dog’s mouth and press along the abdomen for signs of tenderness or bloating. In some cases, lab tests may be required. Fecal flotation or cultures may be performed to check for worms or bacteria. Blood and chemistry panels may also be done, and x-rays may be taken if tumors or obstructions are suspected. An ultrasound, colonoscopy or barium study may also be recommended.

Treatment

• Antivomiting medication may be prescribed to decrease vomiting. In most cases, your veterinarian will recommend that you withhold food from your dog for 24 hours. Limited amounts of water should be provided to avoid dehydration. After a day of fasting, simple, bland food like rice or chicken should be given to the dog. If the dog does not vomit again, it may slowly be returned to its normal diet.

  Dogs may also be prescribed antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present or if internal damage has occurred to the stomach or intestine. Those with intestinal worms must be given wormers to rid them of the parasites, while those with viral infections often require intravenous fluids. If the dog is diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or liver disease, surgery or other advanced treatment options like chemotherapy may be necessary.