All pet owners hope their pets remain in good shape at all times. And that’s possible as long as they are aware of some diseases that can easily be caught. The signs that will manifest, what you need to do if symptoms occur and linger, and how the diagnosis and treatment will be when you face their doctor.

Let’s review this disease even more and learn how severe this disease could get. This article will make you understand what to do if all the symptoms occur.

What is a gastrointestinal disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment?

Gastrointestinal disease is a condition where the intestine is swollen because of infection. There are many causes for the intestine to be infected, parasites, viruses, ingestion of contaminated food, ulcer, food allergy, and many more. Find out the possibility that your pet might already be suffering from this disease.

Symptoms

If you notice your pet is in discomfort for no reason that comes with abnormal bowel movement, there could be a pain in the abdomen. Their feces is watery, plus it has unusual fleshy parts in it, sometimes blood. If your pet has been continually throwing up and isn’t as sweet and energetic as they usually are, and you suspect that they feel pain in their stomach, gastroenteritis signs.

Though these symptoms also manifest in other diseases, the bottom line is that we must bring them to a veterinarian for an assessment as soon as possible. This situation, most of the time, needs emergency services.

Diagnosis

As mentioned, the signs are similar to other diseases. In facilities like Stage Road Animal Hospital, the vets would probe several details. What food have you prepared for them or liquids have they drank for the last 48 hours? If your pet was exposed to other animals you suspect are sick, and if your pet has pre-existing health problems and many more.

After doing so, the vet will examine the pet to confirm the symptoms. If there is pain in the abdomen, if the pet is bloated, if it has a swollen intestine that they could feel if they touch that area, they will also check for signs of dehydration and other basic relevant assessment like the vital signs and temperature. After all these, several examinations will follow to determine if there is an infection and know where it is. The examinations could be a blood test, ultrasound, urinalysis, stool test, and x-ray.

Treatment

The treatment will concentrate on antibiotics as the bacteria is the main source of the manifesting signs. There should be no swelling and pain if it is no longer infected, but diarrhea and continuous vomiting may still occur. The vet will still provide medication to address vomiting and diarrhea. The veterinarian will also provide medication that will deal with the sensitivity of the intestine.

If gastroenteritis is neglected, it could result in hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The treatment, in this case, is to maintain the liquid flow in the body with potassium and electrolytes. Cat or dog vaccinations are recommended as soon as the pet recovers to boost their immune system.

Conclusion

Knowing the causes of this disease can help you learn how to apply the proper hygiene needed in their environment. Clean their feces and urine right away, and clean up their meal strictly before it spoils. Because you already know how severe this disease could get and how much discomfort your pet has to bear, you must do your best to protect them.

And you should know what should be done if symptoms take place, and this disease should not be ignored. You can not handle it on your own through self-medication; you need professionals to prescribe proper medicines.