Dogs require easy digestion and absorption of their food to build and repair tissue and obtain a healthy level of energy. Gastrointestinal disorders include any condition that impairs the digestion, absorption or movement of food through a canine̵7;s stomach or intestines. If your dog shows any of the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, such as vomiting, abnormal appetite (large or small), blood or mucus in the feces, or weight loss, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Diarrhea
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Diarrhea is one of the easier ailments to diagnose. It is characterized by unusually frequent and watery or soft stools. It has a number of possible causes, including infections, ingestion of foreign objects, food allergies and parasites.
Constipation
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The infrequent or difficult elimination of feces often is caused by dietary factors, such as low fiber or swallowing inedible objects. Lack of exercise, stress, medical problems and medications can all result in constipation as well.
Colitis
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Colitis is an inflammation of the colon that causes frequent, painful, defecation and diarrhea, which may contain mucus and blood. Colitis can last just a few days, or be a chronic condition. If it is chronic, your veterinarian can complete blood and fecal tests to determine the cause, such as pathogenic bacteria or inflammatory cells.
Pancreatitis
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Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that results in loss of appetite and frequent vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood. Certain medications, infections, metabolic disorders (hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia), obesity and trauma can play a role in developing pancreatitis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition in which the stomach and/or intestine is constantly infiltrated by inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, plasmacytes and eosinophils. In chronic inflammation, normal tissue may be replaced by scar tissue. The types of cells infiltrating the intestine determine the type of inflammatory bowel disease. While the causes of IBD in dogs are unclear, genetics, nutrition, infectious agents and issues involving the immune system could be responsible.
Congenital Esophageal Achalasia
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Also known by the names cardiospasm, mega?esophagus, dilated esophagus and ectasia, congenital esophageal achalasia is a condition that involves faulty muscles of the esophagus that usually can be detected in puppies. The most common symptom is regurgitating food shortly after eating.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
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Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis is a common disorder in dogs that is characterized by vomiting and/or diarrhea. The vomit and diarrhea may contain variable amounts of blood. The exact cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is unknown. The prognosis is usually good for the dog to make a complete recovery. But, if it̵7;s left untreated, it can be fatal.
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