GI Disorders

GI disorders impair a pets ability to digest and absorb nutrients GI disorders impair a pets ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Factors may include: Abrupt change in diet Dietary indiscretion Malabsorption Maldigestion Allergies Cancer Parasites Infectious agents Toxins Reactions to medications

Acute gastritis is usually self limiting Acute gastritis is usually self limiting. It is characterized by vomiting which resolves in 24 to 48 hours. Chronic gastritis has intermittent vomiting over a period of weeks to months. Cause is seldom determined.

Small bowel disease refers to any condition that affects the small intestine including inflammation and infection. Small bowel diarrhea is characterized by large amounts of stool passed 3 – 5 times per day without straining.

Colitis (large bowel disease) may be caused by food sensitivity, parasites, infection or pancreatitis.

Management is targeted at correcting the underlying disease Management is targeted at correcting the underlying disease. Dietary changes depends on which part of the GI tract is affected.

The presence of food can have a positive effect, triggering a variety of signals that facilitate digestion and metabolism: Secretion of digestive enzymes Optimize blood flow to the small intestine Delivery of nutrients to cells GI cell proliferation

Food can also have a negative effect: Undigested food can trigger inflammatory responses Alter GI mobility Alter microflora populations

Small bowel disorders: Diet should be highly digestible, low in fat and fiber High digestibility facilitates nutrient absorption and reduces the potential for diarrhea as large quantities of undigested food in the gut can cause water retention and trigger renewed diarrhea.

Restricting fat is recommended Restricting fat is recommended. Although fat is easily digestible, the metabolism requires several steps.

Large bowel disorders: Patients may benefit for moderate amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. Dietary fiber helps: Restore normal intestinal motility Dilute concentration of potential toxins Bind to excess water reestablish normal microflora populations

Pancreatitis: Dietary fat stimulates the pancreas to secrete lipase Pancreatitis: Dietary fat stimulates the pancreas to secrete lipase. These digestive enzymes may leak into the bloodstream causing pain and tissue damage.

Owners may notice the following clinical signs: Vomiting (emesis; usually profuse) Lack of appetite (inappetence; anorexia; refusal to eat) Lack of thirst (refusal to drink) Weight loss Weakness Depression Lethargy Diarrhea Dehydration Abdominal pain (usually severe and sudden in onset) Tucked-up belly (“prayer position”)

Prayer Position