Diarrhoea

 Mumma Mia! ..... Diarrhoea!

Diarrhoea is defined as a change in the consistency, frequency and/or volume of faeces and is the primary sign of an intestinal problem. Healthy dogs should be examined if they have had 3 to 4 days of stool the consistency of soft-serve ice cream or looser (you will never eat ice cream again now!). Cats are adapted for dry conditions and tend to conserve water, leading to very firm faeces. Any loose faeces in cats are abnormal and diagnostics should be performed if stools are loose.

• ACUTE (sudden onset) diarrhoea is often self-limiting but may also be life threatening. Acute diarrhoea can be associated with something as simple as diet change and/or intolerance, BUT if signs of fever, lethargy, anorexia, or dehydration are present then a more serious problem may exist requiring aggressive therapy and diagnostics. 

Some causes of acute diarrhoea include:
• Infectious: Virus, Bacteria, Protozoa
• Dietary
• Toxins/Posions/Garbage
• Obstructions (e.g. Intussusception, Foreign Bodies, Mesenteric torsion) 

• CHRONIC Diarrhoea (2-4 weeks of regular diarrhoea) with or without other clinical signs usually requires a systematic and extensive diagnostic work-up including CBC, chemistry panel, faecal tests, food trials, radiographs, ultrasound and/or endoscopy. 

Some causes of chronic diarrhoea include:

Chronic Small Bowel Diarrhoea:

• Maldigestion
• Malabsorption (Parasites, diet, Neoplasia, partial obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease etc)

Chronic Large Bowel Diarrhoea:

• Parasites
• Diet
• Neoplasia
• Intussusception
• Fungal
• Fibre responsive inflammatory bowel disease

If you need help distinguishing or diagnosing the cause of diarrhoea in your pet, do not hesitate to call us!