Digestive Tract Disorders

 

 

 

The digestive tract is an intricate and complex system that is vital for life.  When there are complications, the diseases associated with this process can be very painful and serious.  There are also many things that can go wrong with the gastrointestinal tract, so it is very difficult to pinpoint where the exact trouble spot is.  If you suspect that there is something wrong, get in to see your vet immediately.

 

 

This is the process where food is forced from the stomach back up the esophagus and out the mouth.  If your dog has been eating grass in the back yard or their stomach may have just been upset from swallowing something they shouldn't have.  Avoid giving any food for a few hours and they should be fine.  If the vomiting continues though it may be an indication that there is an illness or poisoning present.

 

 

Loose and soft stools are usually a result of an irritation in the large intestine.  Like humans it can be caused by the food eaten, illness or even stress.  If diarrhea lasts a few hours, don't feed them anything, have then drink plenty of water to flush out their system and let the body readjust itself.  If it persists for more than twenty-four hours it may be something more serious and needs to be investigated further.

 

 

Urinary tract problems can include infections to inflammation, and stones in the kidney or bladder.  Poor nutrition can cause all of these problems, so if your dog is struggling to urinate or urinating frequently there may be something present.

 

Kidney Disease: 

 

Many dogs can develop kidney disease as a natural part of the aging process.  Eating a poor diet for years can also be a prerequisite for this condition.  An adequate amount of fresh drinking water is necessary for proper kidney function.  Some symptoms of kidney disease include: increased thirst, loss of appetite and weight loss, increased urination and vomiting and diarrhea.  With proper care many dogs can live a long time even with kidney disease.

 

 

Bloat is more common in larger breed dogs with large chests, and research has shown there may be a genetic component involved.  When a dog bloats the stomach enlarges from food and water and gases.  If the stomach is too full it can twist and turn (torsion).  In twisting foods and gases are trapped and cannot escape from the stomach, which can lead to shock and death.  Symptoms of bloat are: a swollen abdomen, attempting to vomit, dry heaves and drooling, pacing and restlessness, more than normal gas including burping and biting at stomach area.  Prevention includes feeding more than one meal a day, no strenuous exercise after eating and avoiding low-quality foods.

 

 

IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition that can be a reaction to certain foods, or the additives in the food.  There is some evidence to suggest that it may be genetic as well.  Symptoms are: vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea, blood in the feces, abdominal spasms.  Veterinary care is vital to recovery along with a diet free of artificial colorings, flavorings, preservatives and other additives.  "For dogs, a homemade diet that consists of 40 percent meat, 50 percent wild or brown rice, and 10 percent vegetables will usually calm the system."  Liz Palika.

 

 

When food moves from the mouth to the stomach, it passes throughout the esophagus through peristalsis.  When the motions carried out by peristalsis that help the food move along malfunction, food can become stuck in the esophagus or be forced back out.  If this becomes a regular routine it can cause the esophagus to become enlarged.  This condition can be present form birth, or can develop it later in life.  There may be a genetic connection with this disorder in breeds such as: miniature schnauzers, pugs, greyhounds and Great Danes to name a few.  Symptoms of this disorder are:  regurgitation of undigested food, cough from vomiting, difficulty swallowing or discomfort after swallowing, weight loss and poor body condition.  This condition should be closely monitored by your veterinarian because it can lead to malnutrition.

 

 

This disorder is a problem dealing with the large intestine.  While the food is passing through the large intestine it gets stuck usually near the rectum and the dog is unable to dispel the waste.  As the dog continues to eat, the food begins to accumulate in the large intestine which leads to constipation.  Due to the constipation the colon becomes stretched and enlarged, and can lead to a life long problem.  Symptoms are: very small pieces of stool, less frequent defecation, straining to defecate, lack of appetite and poor body condition.  When waste and toxins are not eliminated from the body on a regular basis, the body begins to suffer and deteriorate in various ways.