Cats & Dogs: Types, Symptoms, Treatments for Gastroente

Both gastritis and enteritis are common gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and cats. Here's a detailed look at their symptoms and causes:Section 1: GastritisGastritis in dogs and cats refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be acute or chronic. It falls under the category of digestive system diseases. Depending on the speed of onset, it can be classified into acute gastritis and chronic gastritis.1. Acute GastritisAcute gastritis can be caused by either external or internal factors. External causes include bacteria, drugs, toxins, and other substances that enter the stomach through the mouth. Internal causes involve factors that spread to the stomach wall via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.Specific causes of acute gastritis in dogs and cats include:（1）Spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, overly cold or hot foods, and other irritants can damage the stomach lining, leading to inflammation. Antibiotics are among the most common culprits, as improper use can severely harm the stomach lining and hinder its repair, exacerbating inflammation.（2）Consuming contaminated food can trigger acute gastritis within a few hours. Common pathogens include Salmonella, E. coli, and toxins from Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum.（3）Conditions like systemic infections, trauma, surgery, and emotional stress can also lead to acute gastritis. Ingesting foreign objects or suffering from stomach stones can also trigger the condition.Symptoms of Acute Gastritis:Acute gastritis is more common in dogs, especially puppies. The primary symptoms include vomiting and abdominal pain. The disease develops rapidly, with vomiting occurring approximately half an hour after eating. Initially, the vomit may contain undigested food, followed by frothy mucus and stomach acid, possibly including blood, bile, and sloughed stomach lining. Affected dogs may experience a decrease in appetite, extreme thirst, and vomiting after drinking, which can be more severe. Abdominal pain may cause restlessness, with the dog extending its front limbs and showing aversion to touch when the abdomen and stomach are palpated. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, acidosis, or shock. The dog's mouth may also display a yellowishwhite tongue and an unpleasant odor.2. Chronic GastritisChronic gastritis is primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori. When this bacterium invades the stomach, its rapid reproduction can cause significant irritation to the stomach lining, leading to inflammation.Causes of Chronic Gastritis:Longterm consumption of cold or hot foods, or ingestion of刺激性 beverages like strong tea, coffee, or alcohol, can lead to chronic gastritis. Dogs and cats living in smoking households are also at risk, as nicotine in tobacco can affect the blood circulation of the stomach lining, and secondhand smoke can lead to bile reflux, causing damage to the stomach. Longterm use of antibiotics or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs can also disrupt the stomach lining's protective barrier, leading to chronic inflammation. Other factors that may contribute to chronic gastritis include aging, malnutrition, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes.Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis:Chronic gastritis is characterized by reduced gastrointestinal motility and dyspepsia, predominantly affecting older dogs and cats with a slower progression. Affected animals may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, belching, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and thirst. Intermittent vomiting is common, with small amounts of blood in the vomit and regurgitation. Severe cases may lead to weight loss, weakness, rough and dull coat, and mild anemia.Section 2: Enteritis in Dogs and CatsEnteritis in dogs and cats occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites invade the intestinal tract, leading to inflammation, primarily affecting the small intestine and colon. The course of enteritis can vary, so it is categorized into acute and chronic enteritis.Causes of Enteritis:（1）Viral infections like canine distemper, parvovirus, and coronavirus can cause viral enteritis, which is highly contagious and can lead to rapid dehydration and death in affected animals.（2）Bacterial infections, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridia, can lead to bacterial enteritis. Fungal infections, such as Candida and Aspergillus, can also cause enteritis.（3）Parasites like coccidia, toxoplasma, roundworms, hookworms, and others can cause enteritis. Ingesting spoiled or toxic substances can also lead to enteritis.（4）Improper use of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to enteritis.Symptoms of Enteritis:Acute enteritis involves inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and deeper tissues, with symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbance, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Affected animals may experience acute watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and frequent vomiting. If there is bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the feces may appear tarblack or dark. If the colon is inflamed, the feces may contain mucus and blood. In severe cases, dogs and cats may exhibit fever, abdominal pain, pale mucous membranes, dehydration, and other symptoms.Chronic enteritis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, with symptoms such as loss of appetite, persistent diarrhea, dyspepsia, and malnutrition. Colitis, a common type of enteritis, primarily presents with acute and chronic diarrhea. Dogs and cats with colitis may have increased defecation,喷射状 stools, thin and smelly feces, and in severe cases, blood in the stool and elevated body temperature. Persistent bleeding or diarrhea can lead to anemia or dehydration.Section 3: Medications for Treating Gastritis in Dogs and CatsMedications are generally required to treat gastritis in dogs and cats. Here are some commonly used treatments:1. Antibiotics: Vipda is used to treat inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is effective in inhibiting inflammation and bacterial proliferation.2. Antiemetics: Puxiding can be used to relieve vomiting symptoms associated with gastritis. It can help alleviate symptoms like vomiting blood, yellow fluid, belching, and bad breath.3. Antidiarrheals: Bismuth subsalicylate tablets are a specific cat and dog diarrhea medication that can help with various types of diarrhea. The mechanism of action is that bismuth subsalicylate is broken down in the intestine to release bismuth ions, which combine with proteins to form a protective barrier, reducing the irritation of the intestinal mucosa and enhancing mucosal protection.4. De worming and Prevention: Puduo is a canine and feline internal dewormer that can kill parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, and nematodes that can cause gastritis. It can also be used for preventive purposes to prevent internal parasitic infections.5. Parasite Control: Avermectin transdermal solution has both internal and external efficacy, killing fleas, lice, mites, and other external parasites, as well as internal parasites like roundworms and nematodes. It can be used to treat gastrointestinal inflammation caused by parasitic infections.6. Gastrointestinal Regulation: Active probiotics can help regulate the gastrointestinal system in dogs and cats. They can protect the intestinal barrier, provide intestinal energy, increase shortchain fatty acids, and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. This probiotic contains five highquality strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is effective against diarrhea and constipation; Lactobacillus plantarum, which helps clean up intestinal waste and relieve dyspepsia; Streptococcus thermophilus, which monitors intestinal pathogenic bacteria; Bifidobacterium breve, which promotes the synthesis of vitamin B and enhances immunity; and Enterococcus faecalis, which produces various antimicrobial substances and inhibits the spread of toxins.Section 4: Preventive Measures for Gastrointestinal Inflammation in Dogs and CatsPreventing gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs and cats starts with diet, as their diet is closely linked to their gastrointestinal health.1. Pet owners should try to feed their pets easily digestible foods to avoid placing excessive burden on their digestive systems.2. Foods should not be too cold or too hot, especially in summer when pet owners should avoid giving their pets food straight from the refrigerator, as this can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.3. Spoiled or rotten food can breed bacteria and fungi, so pet owners should not leave leftover food in the trash can to prevent their pets from eating it.Other Preventive Measures:Beyond food, preventing viral infections that can lead to gastrointestinal diseases in dogs and cats involves timely vaccination, which is the most effective way to prevent viral infections. To avoid parasitic infections that can cause enteritis, regular deworming should be performed, ideally once a month, and pets should be kept away from unfamiliar environments and animals.Dog and cat gastrointestinal inflammation is a highly prevalent disease with multiple causes. This is due to the relatively fragile gastrointestinal system of these animals, which can suffer severe issues with minimal stimulation. Therefore, pet owners should pay close attention to their pets' gastrointestinal care and strengthen their resistance. If gastrointestinal issues occur frequently, it can lead to further damage to the gastrointestinal system, creating a vicious cycle. If you have any questions about canine and feline gastritis and enteritis, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary doctor.