Dysfunction in Dog Digestive System: Understanding and
When a dog's digestive system is disrupted, it often manifests in a decrease in appetite, sometimes leading to complete loss of appetite, along with a lack of energy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation, among other symptoms.
Common causes include:
Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious acute disease caused by the Canine Parvovirus. It can affect up to 100% of dogs and has a mortality rate of 10% to 15%. The incubation period for the enteritis form is typically 7 to 14 days, beginning with vomiting followed by diarrhea. Initially, the vomit contains food, then transitions to mucus and a yellowgreen liquid. The feces start as yellow or grayish yellow, filled with mucus and pseudomembranes, and quickly turn into a tomato juicelike consistency, mixed with blood and having a distinctive foul odor. Dogs may become dehydrated quickly, show signs of depression, lose their appetite, experience a fever of over 40 degrees Celsius, and have increased thirst. In the later stages, the dog's body temperature may drop below normal, with pale mucous membranes, relaxed anal sphincters, and can quickly succumb to shock and death. Early treatment with canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody or hyperimmune serum, along with symptomatic treatment for vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, and inflammation, is crucial. Intravenous fluid therapy for five days is essential. It's vital to isolate the affected dog and thoroughly disinfect the environment.
Canine Distemper, caused by the Canine Distemper Virus, presents with a biphasic fever pattern (initially, the body temperature rises to around 40°C, then drops to normal for 1 to 3 days, and after 2 to 3 days, it rises again). During the first rise, dogs may show weakness, dry nose, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, and decreased appetite. During the second rise, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms appear: coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose that changes from serous to purulent, dry and cracked nose leather, purulent conjunctivitis, vomiting, constipation followed by diarrhea, and blood and bubbles in the feces. Later stages often lead to secondary bacterial infections. Neurological seizures can indicate damage to the central nervous system. Treatment primarily involves injecting canine distemper antiserum and symptomatic care, along with timely isolation and thorough disinfection.
Canine Roundworm disease is primarily caused by two species of nematodes: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. It is characterized by malnutrition, slow growth, and dull coat. Puppies may regurgitate worms, but they are often not found in the feces. In the early stages, migrating larvae can cause liver damage (fatty degeneration), secondary pneumonia, peritonitis, and ascites (in severe cases). When they are parasitic in the small intestine, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation in dogs (mainly puppies), abdominal distension, anemia, anal itching, and mucous in the feces. The presence of worms in the feces confirms the diagnosis. Treatment options include ivermectin, albendazole, levamisole, mebendazole, and clorfenamidine.
Foreign bodies in the stomach can be caused by a lack of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, intestinal parasitosis, or pica, or by dogs swallowing foreign objects during feeding disputes or when they are fighting over toys. These indigestible objects can include bones, plastic, and metal. Dogs may show a lack of appetite, intermittent vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, hunching when standing or lying down, muscle tremors, and a sensitive and painful abdomen upon palpation. Conservative treatments such as induced vomiting or laxatives can be used, and if they are ineffective, surgical treatment may be necessary to cut open the stomach wall and remove the foreign object. Strengthening nutrition and management can help prevent and reduce the occurrence of such diseases.
