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Diagnosing Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats

Diarrhea · Diarrhea signs & symptoms · Diarrhea diagnosis · Diarrhea treatment · Diarrhea related articles

Diagnosis of Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats

Over a hundred factors cause diarrhea, and it can be difficult to determine which is causing the problem. Among the tests used to find the cause are: fecal tests, blood tests, X-rays, barium X-rays, and abdominal ultrasounds.

Fecal Tests

Fecal tests identify worms and bacteria that cause diarrhea. There are several types of fecal tests: direct smear, fecal float, Baermann test, and fecal culture. Even with painstaking tests, not all parasite eggs are found. The latest research suggests 75% of negative fecal samples sent to university pathology labs contained parasites. Thus, your veterinarian may recommend medications for parasites although none were identified on the clinic tests.

Blood Tests

Blood tests indicate anemia, which suggests parvo virus, whipworms, or hookworms. Blood tests can show white blood cell changes, which occur with parasites, allergies, and infections. If the diarrhea has been ongoing, blood tests may show a loss of proteins, such as albumen; or they may show abnormal cobalamin and folate vitamin levels.

X-rays

X-rays can reveal swallowed tennis balls, socks, and other foreign bodies. X-rays can show if the intestine has rolled back upon itself (intussusception), which is common in young pets. With X-rays, it is possible to gauge the thickness of the intestinal wall, which is often thickened in allergic diseases or cancer. Mass within or outside the intestines can be visualized.

Barium x-rays

Barium x-rays reveal what cannot be seen with normal X-rays, and they have the added advantage of being soothing so that the intestines heal more rapidly.

Abdominal Ultrasounds

Abdominal ultrasounds can reveal masses, blood vessels, cysts, and many soft tissue problems not visible with an X-ray.

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians

Date	Category	Topic
09/08/10	Digestive Care	Diarrhea
04/27/10	Digestive Care	Pancreas Infection
02/10/10	Digestive Care	Diarrhea And Occasional Vomiting..
01/20/10	Digestive Care	Problem With Diarrhea
04/11/09	Digestive Care	Stomach Problems
12/20/08	Cough	Cough Supresant
10/13/08	Other	Parvo
07/17/08	Other	Parvo
07/13/08	Other	Itchey Bottom And Diarrhea
05/11/08	Other	Diarrhea Disease
02/01/08	Digestive Care	Diarrhea
10/29/07	Digestive Care	Diarrhea
07/24/07	Other	Goden Retriever Vomiting
03/18/07	Digestive Care	Diarrhea
12/28/06	Digestive Care	Canine Diarrhea
1 2 »»


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Soft, watery, malodorous stools

Flatulence

Abdominal pain

Weight loss

Malodorous feces

Sore rectal area

Matted hair under tail

Chronic skin disease

Diarrhea is one of the most common pet problems

Probiotics maintain healthy bacteria in the intestines and help prevent diarrhea

Dogs are more prone to acute diarrhea than are cats

Puppies and kittens

Anxious pets

Pets eating garbage

OTC:

Fast Balance GI

NaturVet Enzymes & Probiotics and Probiotics

Be Well

HomeoPet Worm Clear

Panacur C

This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

The information about medications is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian.

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