There are hundreds of intestinal diseases that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms of dogs and cats. Is it that necessary to identify a particular symptom to give us a clue about the underlying disease? Well, the answer is definitely yes! It is best that we have on hand knowledge that can be a vanguard on our pet’s health.
One of the most common gastrointestinal tract diseases that have been silently killing millions of dogs and cats around the world is gastritis. Gastritis is defined as the reddening or inflammation of the intestines inner lining. The age of the dogs and cats that usually suffer from gastritis are those in between 12 to 20 weeks old pets. Why? Because at this age, the protection that they get from their mothers colostrum’s becomes weak and the titter level of their immune system drop tremendously and also the effect of the vaccinations that they received are not yet activated optimally to protect them.
Chronic gastritis is more common in elderly dogs and cats; the onset of inflammation of the intestinal lining is usually off and on as a result, the number of cells that are responsible for absorption drop tremendously causing more health complications by making the animals nutrition at its lowest point.
Most of the gastrointestinal symptoms of dogs and cats are caused by gastritis. Here are some factors that can cause gastritis:
- Chocolates, hot peppers and spicy foods are irritating foods for dogs and cats.
- Irritating drugs such as aspirin, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, caffeine, phenylbutazone and anti-metabolites.
- Toxins from bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus and E.coli.
After being exposed to various agents (factors that can cause gastritis) dogs and cats may show the following gastrointestinal symptoms and signs:
- Dogs and cats may have epigastric discomfort and lie along the sideways.
- Upset stomach
- Cramping of abdominal muscles
- Nausea and vomiting
The above mentioned sign and symptoms may last for hours to few days.
The gastrointestinal signs and symptoms can be treated by giving remedies to the real cause of the disease. Antibiotics can be given if the causes of the gastritis are bacteria and antidote can be administered if the underlying cause is due to ingested poisons. Going to your veterinarian still is the best way to find a solution but if it is too expensive for you, then here are some remedies that can be help you below:
- Blood replacement, I.V. fluids and nor epinephrine can alleviate bleeding.
- Vitamin B12 can help a lot if the cause is pernicious anemia.
- Cimetidine is the antihistamine that can help to block too much gastric secretion.
- Antibiotics that are available on the pharmacy can be used to combat bacterial agents.
These treatments will eliminate the symptoms and the diseases itself. Avoidance of the harmful agents and proper practice of hygiene will help a lot to improve the health of our dogs and cats. Some may say the symptoms are bad but my professional opinion as a vet; symptoms are good when detected right away.