This is a condition of severe inflammation or infection of the stomach and intestines.

The primary symptoms are:

1. Vomiting
2. Excessive thirst - usually followed by more vomiting
3. Diarrhea

Common causes:

1. Eating indigestible materials - grass, garbage, stones, dead animals, etc.
2. Worms
3. Digestive gland upsets - liver, pancreas, etc.
4. Metabolic disorders - kidney problems, diabetes, etc.
5. Infections - the "stomach flu"

Certain forms of gastroenteritis may require some blood or x-ray tests to help the doctor determine the exact cause of your pet's individual problem.  In this way the most accurate treatment can be prescribed.

Often our immediate concern is to relieve the symptoms with medication and a controlled diet. It is often necessary to use injectable treatments due to the vomiting.

If a hospital stay is not elected home care will require some help on your part.

HOME CARE:

1. Medication

• Already administered by the doctor, none needed.
• Give ___ tablets/capsules every ___ hours.
• Give _________________________________ times daily.
• Other__________________________________________.

2. Food

• Withhold ALL food for ___ hours.
• Resume normal diet after ___ hours (small amount to start).
• Special diet ______________________________________.

3. Water

• Withhold ALL water for ___ hours.
• Provide ice cubes every ___ hours beginning at ___ o'clock.
• After withholding, provide water ______________________________.

DO NOT GIVE YOUR PET ANYTHING BY MOUTH THAT IS NOT OUTLINED ABOVE.

Notify the doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Persistent vomiting after the first 24 hours
• Blood is seen in the vomit
• The medicine is vomited up consistently
• Your pet appears to be getting weaker