Educational Articles
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Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (the stomach and intestines). It can be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, or even new foods. The condition often causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other clinical signs. The principal treatment of gastroenteritis consists of rehydration and restoring blood electrolyte balance
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Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and the intestines). It can be caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, or even new foods. The condition often causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other clinical signs. The principal treatment for gastroenteritis is rehydration and restoring blood electrolyte balance
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows from the stomach to the esophagus. In dogs with GERD, stomach acid passes through the lower esophageal sphincter and enters the esophagus. Possible signs associated with GERD include decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing, licking the lips, change in bark, chronic cough, appearance of generalized discomfort, pacing, or restlessness at night. Gastrointestinal reflux disease is often diagnosed on the basis of endoscopy. There are a number of different treatments for GERD. Most dogs require a combination of treatments, each of which addresses the problem differently. Most dogs experience a rapid improvement in clinical signs with treatment.
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Ferrets can be affected by a variety of conditions causing problems with the stomach and intestinal tract. Certain bacteria may cause diarrhea or gastritis. Intestinal foreign bodies often cause a complete blockage of the intestinal tract. Some conditions may be treated with medication while others require surgical intervention.
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera or viewing port to inspect the esophagus, stomach, proximal small intestine, or colon for evidence of disease-causing clinical signs characteristic of gastrointestinal disease. Foreign bodies can often be retrieved. Biopsies are taken of abnormal and normal tissue, as not all conditions cause gross changes to the stomach or intestinal surface. The endoscope cannot reach all areas of the small intestine, so other tests may be needed to diagnose disease in this area. Endoscopic pinch biopsies are not full thickness so if diagnosis is not achieved with endoscopic biopsies, additional testing including surgical biopsies may be needed. 12-18 hours fasting and enemas are required prior to endoscopy depending on the area being studied.
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera or viewing port to inspect the esophagus, stomach, proximal small intestine, or colon for evidence of disease-causing clinical signs characteristic of gastrointestinal disease. Foreign bodies can often be retrieved. Biopsies are taken of abnormal and normal tissue, as not all conditions cause gross changes to the stomach or intestinal surface. The endoscope cannot reach all areas of the small intestine, so other tests may be needed to diagnose disease in these areas. Endoscopic pinch biopsies are not full thickness so if diagnosis is not achieved with endoscopic biopsies, additional testing including surgical biopsies may be needed. 12-18 hours fasting and enemas are required prior to endoscopy depending on the area being studied.
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Rabbits that are not eating may have developed gastrointestinal (GI) stasis. GI stasis may be caused by a physiologic change in bacteria or by one of several other conditions such as E. cuniculi. Supportive treatment either in or out of the hospital will be prescribed for a rabbit with GI stasis. Prevention steps are discussed. Have your rabbit checked regularly by a veterinarian who can monitor for the occurrence of other underlying diseases that may contribute to the development of GI stasis.
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A gastropexy is a surgical procedure that is sometimes performed in large-breed dogs to prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat – a life-threatening condition. This handout explains how the procedure works, how it is used preventatively and in emergency situations, risk factors, and post-operative care.
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Gastrostomy tubes are placed percutaneously through the skin directly into the stomach and may be needed for cats who are unable to chew or swallow their food, or for cats with diseases causing anorexia. Special liquid diets or canned diets blended with water are recommended to be given in multiple feedings throughout the day, dependent on the cat’s reason for the tube. Instructions are provided by your veterinarian for tube feeding and tube maintenance. The tube can be removed as early as 14 days after placement once the cat is eating well. Your veterinarian will remove the tube.
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Gastrostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the abdomen into the stomach to enable long-term nutrition in dogs that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A special liquid diet or homemade mixture liquefied with water will be recommended by your veterinarian. Step-by-step instructions are provided. The decision to remove the tube will be determined by your veterinarian.
