Acute Gastroenteropathy
Posted: Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 | Updated: Wednesday, October 11th, 2023
Posted: Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 | Updated: Wednesday, October 11th, 2023
General Information:
Acute gastroenteropathy typically is classified as such if the onset of clinical signs occurs suddenly and then clears up within 3 weeks of treatment. Some common causes for an acute flare up may be related to infection, inflammation, neoplasia, diet, an obstruction, certain medications or toxins, and/or systemic disease. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Clinical signs that may warrant hospitalization include abdominal pain or swelling, dehydration, fever, frequent vomiting, hematemesis, lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. These patients often receive aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and antiemetics. Occasionally, assisted feeding, typically via a feeding tube, is required. Probiotics, gastro-protectants, and or methods of pain control may also be added to the treatment regimen depending on the patient's overall situation. In the majority of cases, food is initially withheld for approximately 24 hours; especially if the patient has been vomiting. Take caution though, younger patients can become hypoglycemic. Therefore, it is not recommended to withhold food for more than 12 hours for these patients. A bland diet is recommended initially. There are a few select gastrointestinal diets available at the veterinary office made for dogs or cats that have proven to be nutritionally adequate. Another option, though not nutritionally adequate by itself, is boiled chicken breast. This is recommended only to be used initially to entice the patient to eat. Once eating, opt for a more favorable diet. As the patient's clinical signs improve, it's ideal to slowly transition them back to their normal diet over 1 to 2 days. Should clinical signs not improve over a 3 week period, further investigation is warranted regarding a more chronic disease. Cobalamin supplementation or other dietary changes may be necessary. Feeding small amounts of food frequently throughout the day has proven to help during the recovery period.
Acute gastroenteropathy typically is classified as such if the onset of clinical signs occurs suddenly and then clears up within 3 weeks of treatment. Some common causes for an acute flare up may be related to infection, inflammation, neoplasia, diet, an obstruction, certain medications or toxins, and/or systemic disease. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Clinical signs that may warrant hospitalization include abdominal pain or swelling, dehydration, fever, frequent vomiting, hematemesis, lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss. These patients often receive aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and antiemetics. Occasionally, assisted feeding, typically via a feeding tube, is required. Probiotics, gastro-protectants, and or methods of pain control may also be added to the treatment regimen depending on the patient's overall situation. In the majority of cases, food is initially withheld for approximately 24 hours; especially if the patient has been vomiting. Take caution though, younger patients can become hypoglycemic. Therefore, it is not recommended to withhold food for more than 12 hours for these patients. A bland diet is recommended initially. There are a few select gastrointestinal diets available at the veterinary office made for dogs or cats that have proven to be nutritionally adequate. Another option, though not nutritionally adequate by itself, is boiled chicken breast. This is recommended only to be used initially to entice the patient to eat. Once eating, opt for a more favorable diet. As the patient's clinical signs improve, it's ideal to slowly transition them back to their normal diet over 1 to 2 days. Should clinical signs not improve over a 3 week period, further investigation is warranted regarding a more chronic disease. Cobalamin supplementation or other dietary changes may be necessary. Feeding small amounts of food frequently throughout the day has proven to help during the recovery period.
Sources:
Woods-Lee, Georgia. "Nutritional Management of Acute Gastroenteritis". Today's Veterinary Nurse. vol. 6, no. 4. Fall 2023. pp. 16-21.
Woods-Lee, Georgia. "Nutritional Management of Acute Gastroenteritis". Today's Veterinary Nurse. vol. 6, no. 4. Fall 2023. pp. 16-21.