Gas and watery diarrhea: Diarrhea in Adults – Digestive Disorders
Explosive (severe) diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and complications
Explosive, or severe, diarrhea causes a person to pass liquid or loose stool more frequently and forcefully than regular diarrhea. Explosive diarrhea occurs when the rectum fills with more liquid and gas than it can hold. Passing the stool is often loud, due to the escaping gas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) define diarrhea as passing three or more liquid or loose stools in a day. However, a person may have diarrhea if they pass more loose stool than usual.
Diarrhea can result from infection, but there are also many noninfectious causes.
Under normal circumstances, the large intestine absorbs excess liquid. When a person has diarrhea, the digestion process moves too fast for the large intestine to absorb the extra liquid present.
In this article, we look at the causes of explosive diarrhea and describe what a person should do if they have it.
Infection is a common cause of explosive diarrhea, but other factors can be responsible.
Viral infections
Share on PinterestCauses of explosive diarrhea can include viral infections, bacterial infections, and food allergies.
The viruses most often responsible for diarrhea include norovirus, rotavirus, or any number of the viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. This condition is what many people call the “stomach flu.”
All of these viruses tend to spread in areas where people meet in groups, including:
- schools
- day care centers
- hospitals
- cruise ships
- nursing homes
Bacterial infections
A person can blame bacteria if their explosive diarrhea occurs after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. A person may mistakenly think that their illness is a result of food poisoning because the symptoms can be severe.
Bacteria that can cause diarrhea include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli , which is commonly called E.
coli.
These bacteria can spread from person-to-person via unwashed hands and surfaces. If someone has diarrhea, they should wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, and take other steps to reduce the risk of passing on the infection.
Parasitic infection
Many types of parasites can cause diarrhea, severe or otherwise. Two of the more common are Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) and Cryptosporidium enteritis (C. enteritis).
As with bacteria, a person can acquire parasites through unsanitary conditions. A person can become infected with G. lamblia or C. enteritis when their mouth directly or indirectly comes into contact with contaminated fecal matter. These parasites thrive in fresh, untreated water and in certain foods.
In developed countries, hikers, backpackers, and campers are among the most likely groups to come in contact with G. lamblia. The parasites do not survive in chlorinated water.
Medications
Many medications can cause mild diarrhea, or loose stool. Occasionally, they can cause severe diarrhea. Some of these types of medications include:
- antibiotics
- some heartburn medications
- chemotherapy medications
Antibiotics and other medications that contain magnesium are a particular risk.
Food allergies
Some people have adverse reactions to certain foods, and these reactions can result in diarrhea.
A common cause is lactose intolerance. If a person cannot tolerate lactose, and they eat or drink a dairy-based product, they may experience explosive diarrhea.
Bowel disease
People with some illnesses that affect the bowels often experience diarrhea. Bowel-related conditions that can cause explosive diarrhea include:
- irritable bowel syndrome
- ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
Share on PinterestTravelling to developing countries can be a risk factor for diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a common condition that affects around 179 million people in the United States every year.
Certain portions of the population are at greater risk of developing diarrhea than others.
These groups include:
- people with bowel disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
- people who live in or travel to developing countries
- children and staff at day care centers
- people taking antibiotics or medications that contain magnesium
Treatment for any form of diarrhea often involves staying hydrated and maintaining levels of electrolytes.
In many cases, the person will just need to wait for their diarrhea to pass. An individual can consume fluids and electrolytes in:
- broth
- vitamin water
- low-sugar sports drinks
When experiencing diarrhea, a person should avoid:
- sugary foods and drinks
- most dairy products
- overly greasy or fatty foods
Some people choose to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are anti-diarrheal.
A person should not take OTC medications if they have a fever or blood in their stool. A person with either symptom likely has a bacterial or parasitic infection, which could get worse with the introduction of medication.
Children under the age of 2 should not take OTC medications unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
In severe cases, people should speak to their healthcare providers about additional treatment options.
An individual may need treatment for serious infections or other underlying conditions, or they may require intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.
Prevention tips
Taking the following steps can help a person to avoid getting explosive diarrhea:
- Always wash the hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, handling diapers, and handling food.
- When traveling to underdeveloped countries, drink only filtered water, and thoroughly cook local produce and other types of food.
Share on PinterestIf a person has a fever higher than 102°F and diarrhea, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Many cases of diarrhea will clear up within a few days. Usually, people require no medication.
However, if diarrhea does not go away within 2 days or the person feels dehydrated, they should see a healthcare provider.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:
- severe pain in the rectum or abdomen
- a fever higher than 102°F
- blood in the stool
- frequent vomiting
- passing loose stool six or more times in 1 day
- signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, extreme thirst, and dizziness
A healthcare provider will review a person’s symptoms. They will often ask about medications and trips to other countries, and they may request stool and blood tests.
A few complications may develop due to explosive diarrhea.
A common complication is dehydration, which occurs because the body cannot readily replace the fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea. It is important that a person keeps taking in fluids throughout their illness.
Another complication of diarrhea is malabsorption, which involves the body failing to take in sufficient nutrients from food. Malabsorption can also result from some conditions that cause diarrhea, including infections and food allergies.
Some people experience diarrhea for longer periods. When diarrhea lasts for 4 or more weeks, the medical community considers it to be chronic.
Most cases of explosive diarrhea are short-lived, and many people require no medical treatment.
Take in as much fluid as possible throughout the duration of diarrhea. Staying well hydrated helps fight off infection and replenish electrolytes. It also supports other bodily functions.
If other symptoms accompany diarrhea, or it lasts for more than 2 days, a person should seek medical care.
Explosive (severe) diarrhea: Causes, treatment, and complications
Explosive, or severe, diarrhea causes a person to pass liquid or loose stool more frequently and forcefully than regular diarrhea.
Explosive diarrhea occurs when the rectum fills with more liquid and gas than it can hold. Passing the stool is often loud, due to the escaping gas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) define diarrhea as passing three or more liquid or loose stools in a day. However, a person may have diarrhea if they pass more loose stool than usual.
Diarrhea can result from infection, but there are also many noninfectious causes.
Under normal circumstances, the large intestine absorbs excess liquid. When a person has diarrhea, the digestion process moves too fast for the large intestine to absorb the extra liquid present.
In this article, we look at the causes of explosive diarrhea and describe what a person should do if they have it.
Infection is a common cause of explosive diarrhea, but other factors can be responsible.
Viral infections
Share on PinterestCauses of explosive diarrhea can include viral infections, bacterial infections, and food allergies.
The viruses most often responsible for diarrhea include norovirus, rotavirus, or any number of the viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. This condition is what many people call the “stomach flu.”
All of these viruses tend to spread in areas where people meet in groups, including:
- schools
- day care centers
- hospitals
- cruise ships
- nursing homes
Bacterial infections
A person can blame bacteria if their explosive diarrhea occurs after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. A person may mistakenly think that their illness is a result of food poisoning because the symptoms can be severe.
Bacteria that can cause diarrhea include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli , which is commonly called E. coli.
These bacteria can spread from person-to-person via unwashed hands and surfaces. If someone has diarrhea, they should wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, and take other steps to reduce the risk of passing on the infection.
Parasitic infection
Many types of parasites can cause diarrhea, severe or otherwise. Two of the more common are Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) and Cryptosporidium enteritis (C. enteritis).
As with bacteria, a person can acquire parasites through unsanitary conditions. A person can become infected with G. lamblia or C. enteritis when their mouth directly or indirectly comes into contact with contaminated fecal matter. These parasites thrive in fresh, untreated water and in certain foods.
In developed countries, hikers, backpackers, and campers are among the most likely groups to come in contact with G. lamblia. The parasites do not survive in chlorinated water.
Medications
Many medications can cause mild diarrhea, or loose stool. Occasionally, they can cause severe diarrhea. Some of these types of medications include:
- antibiotics
- some heartburn medications
- chemotherapy medications
Antibiotics and other medications that contain magnesium are a particular risk.
Food allergies
Some people have adverse reactions to certain foods, and these reactions can result in diarrhea.
A common cause is lactose intolerance. If a person cannot tolerate lactose, and they eat or drink a dairy-based product, they may experience explosive diarrhea.
Bowel disease
People with some illnesses that affect the bowels often experience diarrhea. Bowel-related conditions that can cause explosive diarrhea include:
- irritable bowel syndrome
- ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
Share on PinterestTravelling to developing countries can be a risk factor for diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a common condition that affects around 179 million people in the United States every year.
Certain portions of the population are at greater risk of developing diarrhea than others.
These groups include:
- people with bowel disease, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
- people who live in or travel to developing countries
- children and staff at day care centers
- people taking antibiotics or medications that contain magnesium
Treatment for any form of diarrhea often involves staying hydrated and maintaining levels of electrolytes.
In many cases, the person will just need to wait for their diarrhea to pass. An individual can consume fluids and electrolytes in:
- broth
- vitamin water
- low-sugar sports drinks
When experiencing diarrhea, a person should avoid:
- sugary foods and drinks
- most dairy products
- overly greasy or fatty foods
Some people choose to take over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are anti-diarrheal.
A person should not take OTC medications if they have a fever or blood in their stool. A person with either symptom likely has a bacterial or parasitic infection, which could get worse with the introduction of medication.
Children under the age of 2 should not take OTC medications unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
In severe cases, people should speak to their healthcare providers about additional treatment options.
An individual may need treatment for serious infections or other underlying conditions, or they may require intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.
Prevention tips
Taking the following steps can help a person to avoid getting explosive diarrhea:
- Always wash the hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, handling diapers, and handling food.
- When traveling to underdeveloped countries, drink only filtered water, and thoroughly cook local produce and other types of food.
Share on PinterestIf a person has a fever higher than 102°F and diarrhea, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Many cases of diarrhea will clear up within a few days. Usually, people require no medication.
However, if diarrhea does not go away within 2 days or the person feels dehydrated, they should see a healthcare provider.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:
- severe pain in the rectum or abdomen
- a fever higher than 102°F
- blood in the stool
- frequent vomiting
- passing loose stool six or more times in 1 day
- signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, extreme thirst, and dizziness
A healthcare provider will review a person’s symptoms.
They will often ask about medications and trips to other countries, and they may request stool and blood tests.
A few complications may develop due to explosive diarrhea.
A common complication is dehydration, which occurs because the body cannot readily replace the fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea. It is important that a person keeps taking in fluids throughout their illness.
Another complication of diarrhea is malabsorption, which involves the body failing to take in sufficient nutrients from food. Malabsorption can also result from some conditions that cause diarrhea, including infections and food allergies.
Some people experience diarrhea for longer periods. When diarrhea lasts for 4 or more weeks, the medical community considers it to be chronic.
Most cases of explosive diarrhea are short-lived, and many people require no medical treatment.
Take in as much fluid as possible throughout the duration of diarrhea. Staying well hydrated helps fight off infection and replenish electrolytes.
It also supports other bodily functions.
If other symptoms accompany diarrhea, or it lasts for more than 2 days, a person should seek medical care.
Watery diarrhea – causes, diseases, diagnosis, prevention and treatment
Description
Watery diarrhea is a condition in which the stool becomes very thin and watery. Unlike regular stools, which have a shape and texture, watery diarrhea looks and feels like water. It can be frequent and accompanied by a feeling of need to immediately visit the toilet. Watery diarrhea is usually a sign of an indigestion or infection and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as gas, vomiting, or animal pain. If watery diarrhea lasts more than 2-3 days or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Why watery diarrhea is dangerous
Watery diarrhea can be dangerous for several reasons:
Dehydration: Frequent and prolonged watery diarrhea can lead to significant loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body.
Dehydration can be dangerous, especially for infants, children, and the elderly. It can cause dry skin, fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, and even serious complications such as fainting, low blood pressure, and organ dysfunction.Nutrient loss: Watery diarrhea can lead to loss of important nutrients such as electrolytes (eg sodium, potassium) and micronutrients (eg zinc). This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weakness, weight loss, and other health problems.
Electrolyte imbalance: With prolonged watery diarrhea, the normal electrolyte balance in the body may be disturbed. Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of organs and systems, including the heart, nervous system, and muscles. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to serious problems, including cardiac arrhythmias and muscle cramps.
Infections and immunosuppression: Watery diarrhea may be caused by an infection, such as a viral or bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
With persistent diarrhea, immunity can be weakened, making the body more vulnerable to other infections and complications.
Dehydration can be dangerous, especially for infants, children, and the elderly. It can cause dry skin, fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, and even serious complications such as fainting, low blood pressure, and organ dysfunction.
With persistent diarrhea, immunity can be weakened, making the body more vulnerable to other infections and complications.Physiological causes of watery diarrhea
Physiological causes of watery diarrhea may include:
Excess consumption of laxatives: Prolonged and excessive use of laxatives may cause watery diarrhea. Laxatives can stimulate intestinal motility and increase the amount of water that remains in the intestine, which can lead to loose stools.
Excess consumption of caffeine or alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can have a laxative effect on the body. Their excess consumption can cause frequent and watery diarrhea.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by changes in bowel function. One of the typical symptoms of IBS can be watery diarrhea.
Food intolerance: Some people may have an intolerance to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten.
These products may cause watery diarrhea.Food Allergy: Some foods may cause allergic reactions in some people. Watery diarrhea can be one of the symptoms of a food allergy.
Excess consumption of hot and spicy foods: Hot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal mucosa and cause watery diarrhea in some people.
These products may cause watery diarrhea.Pathological causes of watery diarrhea
Pathological causes of watery diarrhea can be associated with various medical conditions and diseases, including:
Infections of the gastrointestinal tract: Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections may cause watery diarrhea. Examples of such infections are food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, or dysentery.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They can cause chronic watery diarrhea as a result of inflammation and damage to the intestines.
Malabsorption syndromes: Some conditions, such as celiac disease, small bowel syndrome, and lactase intolerance, can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can cause watery diarrhea.
Hormonal disorders: Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hormonal tumors can lead to watery diarrhea.
Side effects of medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, stomach acid medications, or cardiovascular medications, can cause watery diarrhea as a side effect.
Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract: In rare cases, watery diarrhea may be associated with tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, including colon cancer or pancreatic cancer.
Accompanying symptoms
Accompanying symptoms of watery diarrhea may vary depending on its cause. Some common symptoms that may accompany watery diarrhea include:
- Frequent or persistent urge to defecate.
- Feeling the need to visit the toilet immediately.
- Loose and watery stools without form or consistency.
- Increased frequency of bowel movements (more than three times a day).
- Feeling of unsatisfied bowel movements after defecation.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Gas and bloating.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss or weight loss.
What are the scenarios
The scenarios of watery diarrhea depend on its cause and duration. Some possible development options include:
Self-healing: In some cases, watery diarrhea may be caused by a temporary gastrointestinal disorder, such as an infection or food intolerance. In such cases, the body can cope with the problem on its own within a few days, and the diarrhea will stop.
Need for treatment: If watery diarrhea persists for a long time or is accompanied by other serious symptoms such as fever, blood in the stool, dehydration, or severe pain, medical treatment may be required.
Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, electrolyte balance medications, or other appropriate medications.Chronic or recurrent diarrhea: In some cases, watery diarrhea may become a chronic problem or recur periodically. This may be due to chronic bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. In such cases, long-term treatment and management under the supervision of a physician is required.
Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections, electrolyte balance medications, or other appropriate medications.What causes watery diarrhea
Watery diarrhea can be associated with various diseases and medical conditions, including:
Infections of the gastrointestinal tract: Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections may cause watery diarrhea. Examples of such infections are food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, or dysentery.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by changes in bowel function.
One of the typical symptoms of IBS can be watery diarrhea.Malabsorption syndromes: Some conditions, such as celiac disease, small bowel syndrome, or pancreatitis, can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can cause watery diarrhea.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They can cause chronic watery diarrhea as a result of inflammation and damage to the intestines.
Hormonal disorders: Hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hormonal tumors can lead to watery diarrhea.
Side effects of medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, stomach acid medications, or cardiovascular medications, can cause watery diarrhea as a side effect.
Food Allergy: Some foods can cause allergic reactions, including watery diarrhea, in some people.
One of the typical symptoms of IBS can be watery diarrhea.Contact the right specialist right now
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What examinations to take
In case of watery diarrhea, it is important to consult a doctor who will adequately assess your condition and prescribe appropriate examinations.
Some of the possible tests that may be recommended for watery diarrhea include:
Fecal Tests: A stool test can help determine if there is infection, parasites, inflammation, or other abnormalities in the digestive system.
Stool culture: This test helps to detect the presence of bacteria in the stool and determine their sensitivity to antibiotics.
Blood tests: Blood tests can help look for signs of inflammation, infection, and assess kidney function and electrolyte balance.
Gastroscopy: Gastroscopy allows the doctor to evaluate the condition of the stomach and esophagus. This is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visually inspect internal structures.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is used to look at the large intestine and rectum. This can help identify inflammatory diseases, tumors, or other changes in the gut.
Abdominal Ultrasound: Ultrasound can be used to assess the condition of the abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and others.
Food intolerance: Testing for food intolerance may be useful in identifying possible food allergies or intolerances.
Remedies
Removal of watery diarrhea depends on its cause. Here are some general methods and recommendations that can help manage this condition:
Hydration: It is important to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration caused by frequent diarrhea. It is recommended to drink water, electrolyte solutions or special hydration solutions available at the pharmacy.
Nutrition: During watery diarrhea it is recommended to avoid foods that can aggravate the symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, spicy foods, alcohol and coffee. Instead, easily digestible foods such as broths, concoctions, biscuits, and purees should be consumed.
Probiotics: Probiotic preparations can help restore normal gut microflora and reduce the duration of watery diarrhea.
However, check with your doctor before you start taking probiotics.Antidiarrheal drugs: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antidiarrheal drugs to help reduce the frequency and fluid of your stools. However, their use should be limited and prescribed by a doctor, especially if an infection is suspected.
Treatment of underlying cause: If watery diarrhea is caused by infection, inflammation, food intolerance, or other medical conditions, treat the underlying condition or take appropriate medical action. In this case, you should consult a doctor for specific recommendations and treatment.
However, check with your doctor before you start taking probiotics.Which doctor to contact
If you have watery diarrhea, you can contact the following doctors:
To a General Practitioner: A general practitioner can perform an initial evaluation of your condition, find out possible causes of diarrhea, and prescribe initial treatment.
They may also recommend tests or refer you to a specialist if a more detailed test is needed.Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. If your symptoms become chronic or make your life difficult, a gastroenterologist can perform a more detailed assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Infectionist: If you suspect an infectious disease, an infectious disease specialist may be involved in your care. He will perform appropriate tests and suggest appropriate antibiotic or antiviral therapy if needed.
Allergist/Immunologist: If you suspect a food allergy or other immunological reactions, an allergist or immunologist can perform allergen tests and help you identify and manage your condition.
They may also recommend tests or refer you to a specialist if a more detailed test is needed. It is important to see a doctor if watery diarrhea becomes chronic, lasts more than a few days, is accompanied by other warning signs such as fever, bloody or black stools, severe weakness, or dehydration.
Only a doctor will be able to adequately assess your condition, determine the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.
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Diarrhea (diarrhea) in dogs: causes, treatment, prevention
Rostov-on-Don
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Diarrhea is a common clinical problem in veterinary practice.
Acute diarrhea is characterized by sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less). Feces are watery or watery-mucous, sometimes with blood. Diarrhea in a dog can be prolonged, say for several weeks or even months, or it can appear from time to time. One bout of diarrhea in a dog is usually not a cause for concern. But if it persists for more than one day, it can cause severe consequences: dehydration (fluid loss, dehydration), electrolyte disturbances, and/or acid-base imbalance. Therefore, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.
Causes of diarrhea in dogs
- Dog feeding disorders:
- use of spoiled and stale products;
- use of foreign objects;
- abrupt change in diet, feed;
- intolerance to one or more food ingredients.
- Parasitic diseases are a common cause of acute diarrhea, especially in young dogs. You may not see the parasites themselves, however, special research methods make it possible to identify helminth eggs in the feces.
- Bacterial diseases and bacterial toxins (Salmonella, Clostridium, Campylobacter, E. coli, Yersinia, etc.) can lead to acute diarrhea. As a rule, a dog becomes infected when drinking contaminated water, food, and also when eating the feces of other infected animals.
- Viral infections such as parvovirus, coronavirus, rotavirus, canine distemper, adenovirus can cause diarrhea in dogs.
- Protozoan and fungal infections, eg coccidiosis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, histoplasmosis, etc. can also cause diarrhea.
- Drugs and toxic substances can cause acute diarrhea, either by directly irritating the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract or by causing dysbacteriosis. Drugs that can cause diarrhea in a dog include aspirin, corticosteroids, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, and some drugs used to treat heart disease. Toxic substances include insecticides, acaricides, rodent poisons and heavy metals.
- Metabolic disorders (mainly kidney and liver disease) cause clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, including diarrhoea.
- Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas, can also cause diarrhea.
- Bowel obstruction is usually accompanied by vomiting, but diarrhea is sometimes noted.
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a disease with an unclear etiology, accompanied by bloody diarrhea.
- Intussusception may cause episodes of acute diarrhea.
- Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract or other abdominal organs may be another cause.
Other causes of diarrhea in dogs include:
- Allergic reactions;
- Stress.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
Frequent loose stools are the most common symptom of diarrhea in dogs. Other signs include flatulence, blood or mucus in the stool, changes in stool volume, and frequent bowel movements. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the following symptoms: lethargy, dehydration, fever (fever), vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss.
If your dog’s feces are black, this could be causing internal bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
The dog should be examined by a veterinarian immediately.
When should I contact the veterinarian?
Call your veterinarian if your dog has diarrhea for more than a day, or if you experience
- lethargy,
- vomiting,
- temperature rise,
- dark or bloody faeces,
- decreased appetite or
- unexpected weight loss.
Call veterinarian immediately if you notice diarrhea in your puppy, as diarrhea can cause serious infections in young dogs.
Diagnosis or finding out the cause
Although in most cases diarrhea is short-lived and resolves quickly, there are cases that require diagnosis and identification of the cause.
Tests for diarrhea (diarrhea) in a dog:
- Complete clinical examination;
- Examination of faeces (flotation methods, smear microscopy) – to detect parasitic diseases;
- Complete blood count (CBC) – in order to assess the degree of inflammation, anemia and dehydration, the presence of an infectious disease;
- Biochemical analysis of blood – determination of the functional capacity of the liver, kidneys and pancreas;
- Urinalysis – determination of the functional capacity of the kidneys and the degree of dehydration of the animal;
- Abdominal x-ray (X-ray) – assessment of the location of the abdominal organs, to detect the presence of fluid, gas or foreign bodies in the intestine.
- PCR analysis for viral, bacterial and some parasitic diseases (parvovirus, coronavirus, canine distemper and other infections)
Depending on the clinical signs and the results of the above tests, the veterinarian may recommend additional tests in order to provide optimal therapeutic assistance. These ancillary tests are selected on a case-by-case basis and may include:
- Bacterial culture, isolation of bacterial culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics;
- Cytological tests to determine the type of inflammation, as well as to identify parasites, protozoa and bacteria;
- Serological tests for infectious diseases;
- Abdominal ultrasonography, especially if previous diagnostic tests have been inconclusive;
- X-ray with contrast agent to detect ulcer, obstruction and foreign bodies;
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy to assess the condition of the small and large intestines, especially if acute diarrhea progresses and chronic diarrhea may develop;
- Specialized tests for toxins that can cause diarrhea.
Treatment of diarrhea
It is usually recommended not to feed the dog for 12-24 hours, but to provide fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration. Because there are many causes of diarrhea in dogs, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Specific treatment requires a correct diagnosis. Therefore, the veterinarian is likely to first prescribe symptomatic treatment and suggest testing to rule out infectious and parasitic infections.
Symptomatic treatment may include one or more of the following:
- After a 12-24 hour semi-starvation diet, feed only easily digestible food (boiled chicken or beef mixed with low-fat cottage cheese, boiled rice or potatoes). A light diet is applied for several days, and then a gradual transition to normal feeding is possible within 2 to 3 days;
- Infusion therapy – necessary for the prevention of elimination of dehydration, regulation of acid-base balance, compensation for the loss of electrolytes;
- Antibiotic therapy is especially needed in animals with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhea, or suspected bacterial intestinal infection;
- Administration of adsorbents and agents that protect the intestinal mucosa;
- Other means at the discretion of the veterinarian (eg deworming).
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Prophylaxis
The best treatment for your dog is a combination of home care and professional veterinary care. To effectively maintain the health of your pet, follow these simple rules:
- Follow your veterinarian’s dietary instructions and recommendations. Contact your veterinarian if you are having difficulty treating your dog.
- Monitor the general condition of the dog. The presence of blood in the stool for two or more days, vomiting, weakness, lack of appetite, collapse – all these signs indicate a deterioration in the dog’s health.
- If you have just noticed diarrhea in a dog, provide a balanced diet, avoid eating spoiled foods and foreign bodies.
- Check your little friend annually for parasitic and infectious diseases.
- Diarrhea usually has a good prognosis and dogs respond well to symptomatic and specific treatment directed at the cause.
- If the dog’s diarrhea persists despite veterinary advice, more extensive diagnosis is needed.
