Stomach infections in dogs. Important diagnostic signs. Symptoms and treatment of gastroenteritis in dogs

Objective data indicate high morbidity and high mortality in dogs and cats from gastrointestinal disorders. At an early age, they often arise due to malnutrition associated with the lack of necessary conditions for intrauterine development. Adequate feeding, exercise, proper maintenance of mothers during pregnancy and good care they have a great influence on the course of the growth and development of the fetus. Consequently, the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases in young animals should begin with creating conditions for normal intrauterine development and fetal growth.

Pathological changes in the stomach and intestines of dogs and cats develop quickly and involve almost the entire body in this process, therefore it is necessary to correctly diagnose and treat the animal at the earliest possible moment. early period diseases. The greatest effect is obtained from comprehensive diagnostic and treatment measures aimed at eliminating pathological processes and restoring protective forces the body itself.

The most common gastrointestinal diseases in dogs and cats include: gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis. In veterinary practice, the inflammatory process often covers the stomach and the entire intestine at the same time, spreading from top to bottom or bottom to top, and in this case is diffuse in nature.

Etiology. The most common cause of acute primary gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis is feeding with poor-quality and unusual food for animals, such as spoiled fish, meat, sausage, sweets, canned food, butter, sour cream, cheese, stale lactic acid products, etc. Do not feed for dogs and cats, give pork, lamb and fish to dogs with cold, dirty or hot water. It should be remembered that the microflora populating the gastrointestinal tract increases its pathogenic properties in most cases when the body’s immune system is weakened, under the influence of unsanitary conditions.

Puppies and kittens often develop gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis during a rapid transition from mother's milk to self-feeding, with a sudden change in diet, in the absence of water, when animals have to drink dirty water. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs when eating feed with mechanical impurities (sand, earth, pieces of wood, glass, paper, etc.).

In dogs and cats, inflammation of the stomach and intestines occurs when they get into food poisonous plants, chemical and medicinal substances, mineral fertilizers. Some breeds of dogs and cats are predisposed to allergies (intolerance to certain foods), as a result of which gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis also develop.

In most cases, inflammation of the stomach and intestines occurs as a secondary process in a number of acute infectious, invasive and non-contagious diseases.

Among the infectious diseases of dogs that cause gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis, we should highlight, first of all, plague, parvovirus enteritis, infectious hepatitis, salmonellosis, colibacillosis, tularemia, leptospirosis, botulism, dysentery and mycoses, and in cats - panleukopenia and herpesvirus infection. Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are often observed with piroplasmosis, cystoisosporosis, toxoplasmosis, helminthiases (nematodes, cestodiases).

Gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis in dogs and cats arise as complications of some non-contagious diseases, such as poisoning, stomatitis, pharyngitis, periodontitis, mumps, peritonitis, inflammation of the esophagus, liver diseases, respiratory organs, sepsis, abdominal trauma and some surgical and obstetric - gynecological diseases.

Primary chronic gastritis and enteritis are caused by the same reasons as acute ones, when they act less intensely and for a long time. Secondary chronic gastritis and enteritis of dogs and cats appear in diseases of the cardiovascular system with prolonged stagnation of blood in the systemic circulation, diseases of the respiratory system, liver, kidneys, bladder, hematopoietic system, metabolic disorders, sepsis, as well as chronic infectious and invasive diseases.

In practice, acute gastritis and gastroenteritis often develop into a chronic form, which periodically worsens under certain unfavorable conditions and is accompanied by stomatitis.
GASTRITIS, GASTROENTERITIS, GASTROENTEROCOLITIS

Symptoms of gastritis. With acute gastritis in dogs and cats, lethargy, fatigue, sometimes a short-term slight increase in body temperature, signs of anxiety, especially after feeding, perversion of appetite (eating food unusual for the animal, licking walls, wallpaper, plaster, swallowing pieces of wood, stones, rags) are noted etc.), often its reduction, up to complete refusal of food.

Sick dogs and cats lose weight. The conjunctiva at the beginning of the disease is reddened (hyperemia), later becomes pale with a bluish tint, and jaundice often develops. The mucous membrane of the mouth is covered with viscous, stringy saliva, and there is a gray or white coating on the tongue. The smell from the mouth is sweetish, musty or putrid. Sometimes the onset of jaundice is more clearly visible on the sclera. With hypoacid gastritis, intestinal motility increases. The feces are compacted, dark in color, covered with a thin film of mucus.

A very characteristic sign of gastritis is the possible presence of belching, vomiting soon after eating and drinking, less often independently of them. Vomit is mixed with saliva and viscous gastric mucus, sometimes with blood, and with repeated vomiting - with bile. Palpation of the stomach in dogs and cats through the abdominal wall causes a painful reaction, the wall itself is tense. In the intervals between attacks of vomiting, some relief occurs, although the animal maintains a forced posture - arches its back, pulls up its stomach, and presses its hind limbs to its chest. As a result of frequent vomiting, the body loses fluid and chlorides, dehydration and achloremia develop. An external sign of this is a decrease in skin turgor.

Symptoms of chronic catarrhal gastritis develop slowly, at first they are more clearly manifested by periodic disturbances of appetite and digestion. Animals are sluggish and reluctant to accept food, and sometimes refuse it. Appetite is perverted. Fatness noticeably decreases, fatigue and sweating develop. The shine of the hair disappears, it becomes tousled, and the elasticity of the skin decreases. The mucous membranes are pale, sometimes with a jaundiced tint. The mucous membrane of the mouth is dry or covered with a layer of viscous mucus. There is a gray or white-dirty coating on the tongue, and an unpleasant sweetish or sour odor often comes from the mouth.

With hypoacid gastritis, bloating, increased intestinal motility and diarrhea often appear. Feces with big amount mucus and undigested food particles and with sharp, putrid smell. The stomach contents on an empty stomach often consist of a mass of thick gastric mucus. The general acidity of the contents is low (10-14 titer units), free hydrochloric acid is often absent, its content in bound form, tests for lactic, butyric acid and bile pigments are positive.

In chronic gastritis with high acidity, there is a weakening of intestinal motility and constipation. The amount of gastric contents on an empty stomach is increased, its general acidity is increased, more often as a result of increased formation of organic acids, in addition to the above symptoms, gas belching and vomiting may appear soon after eating food.

During fluoroscopy with contrast, deepening of the folds of the gastric mucosa is noted. Secondary acute and chronic gastritis are complemented by signs of the underlying disease.

Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis usually increase rapidly. In dogs and cats, appetite disappears/thirst increases. Mobility and performance decrease sharply. The temperature rises to 40°C and above. The general condition is characterized by depression, lethargy, and signs often appear constant worry in the form of colic. Animals moan or, conversely, are indifferent and lie down more. Possible fibrillary muscle twitching. The heart beat and heart sounds are increased. The pulse is rapid and arrhythmic. At the onset of the disease, blood pressure rises briefly and then falls.

Intestinal peristalsis sharply increases, accompanied by loud, uneven in frequency and strength intestinal sounds. With the onset of severe intoxication and autointoxication, intestinal peristalsis becomes less loud. Defecation is frequent. At the beginning of the disease, a lot of feces are released, then less. The nature of feces depends on the form of inflammation. With catarrhal inflammation, the stool is liquid, watery, foul-smelling, viscous, and has a lot of undigested food and mucus. With hemorrhagic inflammation, there are a lot of blood clots in the feces, often the entire feces are uniformly colored pink or brown; in case of lobar - dense fibrin clots; in diphtheria - blood clots, crumbly masses of fibrin and necrotic tissue; with mucomembranous - thick films or large compacted clots of mucus; with purulent and phlegmonous - pus, mucus, blood and particles of dead tissue.

By palpation through the abdominal wall, you can establish swelling of the intestinal loops and soreness of the stomach and intestines, often enlargement of the liver and its soreness.

Gastric secretion is inhibited. Urination is rare. Oliguria. Urine containing protein. In sediments it is found in leukocytes, kidney and pelvis cells, cylinders, and sometimes erythrocytes. The specific gravity of urine is increased, the pH is alkaline.

With profuse diarrhea due to dehydration of the body, the content of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and leukocytes in the blood increases. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is often slow. The level of bilirubin in the blood serum is increased, the direct reaction to bilirubin is positive.

In the subsequent development of the disease due to intoxication, depression increases, up to a coma. The hair becomes dull and the skin turgor is reduced. The stomach is tucked. Muscle tone weakens, the anal sphincter is relaxed. The body temperature is lowered, the limbs, ears, and nose become cold. Exhaustion develops.

Symptoms of chronic gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis. Chronic gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis are characterized by a very diverse and variegated clinical picture, and it depends on the form of inflammation, the location and course of the pathological process. Important and constant signs diseases are a gradual decrease in fatness, growth retardation compared to peers with relatively preserved appetite and sufficient feeding, general lethargy, normal temperature, decreased skin turgor, matte, uneven and tousled hair, delayed molting, visible mucous membranes are pale, often have bluish and icteric shades. Intestinal peristalsis is often increased, rumbling, less often weakened. The release of gases is constant, through belching. Vomiting often occurs. Feces, depending on the peristalsis of the small and large intestines, are dry or liquid, sometimes watery, with a putrid odor, containing a lot of mucus and undigested food particles.

With subsequent exacerbations, the clinical picture resembles the acute course of gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis.

Secondary acute and chronic gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis are complemented by clinical signs of the underlying disease.

Flow. Gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis of primary origin, after eliminating the cause and providing medical assistance, end in recovery within 8-15 days. If medical assistance is not provided in a timely manner, then acute inflammation stomach and intestines becomes chronic, which lasts months and even years. Moreover, the deterioration alternates with periods of improvement in the animal’s condition.

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is made from a detailed history, results of clinical and laboratory studies of the stomach and intestines and their contents. It can be clarified by X-ray examination using a contrast mass.

Differential diagnosis. Acute gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis differ from chronic gastroenteritis in their course. Primary gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis must be distinguished from secondary ones, which occur with infectious and invasive diseases. Differentiation is carried out according to the clinical signs of the underlying disease, epizootological data and the results of special laboratory tests to detect the pathogen. If poisoning by toxic substances is suspected, anamnesis is taken into account and laboratory tests are carried out on food, blood, urine, and feces for the presence of toxins.

Gastritis of primary origin, after eliminating the cause and providing medical assistance, ends with recovery within 7-15 days, while secondary gastritis occurs with characteristic clinical signs characteristic of the underlying disease. In acute gastritis, suffering lasts up to two weeks, and its chronic form can last a long time, subsiding or worsening depending on the conditions of detention and treatment measures.

1. Elimination of identified or suspected causes of the disease.

2. Purpose dietary feeding. In this case, the age and breed characteristics of the animal should be taken into account.

After the diagnosis of the disease is established, a fasting regime is prescribed for up to 12-24 hours with free access to water or a rehydration solution. In addition to water, chicken or beef broth of the 2nd cooking is poured into another bowl without restrictions and fed for 10 days. It is advisable to add decoctions or infusions of medicinal plants low concentrations such as: serpentine rhizome, marshmallow root, string, sage leaves, oak bark, oregano, cinquefoil erect, marsh grass, yarrow, chamomile, calamus rhizome, trefoil, licorice, chaga, St. John's wort, fruits blueberries, bird cherry, horse sorrel, flax-seed, gray alder (its infructescence), roots and rhizomes of burnet. All of these plants have different medicinal properties- enveloping, astringent, mucous and anti-inflammatory.

Currently, a decoction of the fruits of bird cherry, juniper, alder, etc. is widely used for medicinal and prophylactic purposes. For gastrointestinal disorders, a tincture of medicinal herbs is successfully used, including 15 g of burnet, 15 g of calendula officinalis, 20 g of St. John's wort, 5 g of wormwood. Mix 10 ml before use alcohol tincture these herbs and 40 ml of water. 30-40 minutes before the start of feeding, the drug is administered twice or on an empty stomach at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg.

On the 2-3rd day from the moment of diagnosis, the animals are fed raw eggs at the rate of one egg 2-3 times a day until recovery. On the 3-4th day of treatment, a small amount of liquid (in water or broth) rice or oatmeal porridge or decoctions of rice and oats is introduced into the diet with the addition of a small amount of boiled chicken or minced beef (1-2 tablespoons per dose). The first portion of this food is given in a small volume - one teaspoon for cats and one tablespoon for dogs. If after such feeding the animal does not develop digestive upset in the form of vomiting and diarrhea, then the dose of food is gradually increased.

On the 4th-5th day of treatment, small amounts of fresh, room temperature low-fat lactic acid products are added to the specified diet: yogurt, kefir, milk, calcined milk, infant formula, as well as acidophilus and acidophilus milk. On these same days, rice and oatmeal You can cook with milk or replace them with others - semolina, millet, barley, buckwheat. It is advisable to use flaxseed decoction in the diet from the first days of treatment.

On the 7-9th day, boiled finely chopped vegetables are introduced into the diet - carrots, cabbage, potatoes. Starting from the 10th day of treatment, the animals are gradually transferred to a normal diet.

3. When severe dehydration and exhaustion, artificial feeding of dogs and cats through the rectum with nutritious and medicinal fluids is useful. As nutrient mixtures, 2-20% glucose solutions (rec. 131), 0.5-1% sodium chloride solutions (rec. 132), Ringer's solutions (rec. 133) and Ringer-Locke (rec. 133) are used. 125), rice, oatmeal, flaxseed decoctions, chicken or beef broth, peptone with saline solution (1:10), milk and combinations of these substances.

Before administering the medicinal nutritional mixture, the rectum is emptied of contents. To do this, they do a warm cleansing enema, which relieves pain and reduces muscle tone, which is important for retaining the nutritional or medicinal component introduced into the rectum. For this purpose they use warm water, soap solution or solutions of disinfectants in low concentrations - potassium permanganate, rivanol, resorcinol, furatsilin, boric acid, salicylic acid etc. A few minutes after the enema and removal of the contents, a rubber tube prepared in the usual way (like a probe) is inserted into the rectum, into the free end of which a funnel with a volume of 100-200 ml or a bulb with a capacity of 100-200 ml is inserted and a nutrient or medicinal mixture is poured into quantity: cats - 50-100 ml, dogs - 100-500 ml 2-4 times a day. After introducing the nutritional mixture, the tip of the rubber tube is pulled out, and the root of the tail is pressed to the anus and the animal is allowed to calm down.

4. When severe course For gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis, accompanied by dehydration, parenteral intravenous and subcutaneous injections for dogs and subcutaneous injections for cats are effective (Fig. 7, 8). For this purpose, saline solutions are used subcutaneously by jet, and intravenously by drip using droppers. Other active agents are also used medicinal substances, for example: 0.9% sodium chloride solution, Ringer's or Ringer-Locke solution with the addition or separately of 5-40% glucose solutions. It is advisable to add ascorbic acid or cyanocobalamin to these solutions. Intravenously, along with isotonic ones, hypertonic (5-10%) solutions of sodium and calcium gluconate chloride can be used. Doses isotonic solutions depending on the degree of dehydration for intravenous administration to dogs - 5-100 ml/kg and subcutaneous - 10-100 ml/kg body weight.

Subcutaneous injections of large volumes are most conveniently done in the area of ​​the shoulder blade or withers, preferably at several points; for dogs - 100-500 ml of liquid; for cats, 20-300 ml can be administered in the same way. It is advisable to repeat injections 2-4 times a day, if necessary for several days in a row.

5. Among the means for parenteral nutrition of sick dogs and cats, plasma substitutes in the form of a drink are widely used - enterodesis 5 g per 100 ml boiled water 100 ml of the prepared solution 1-3 times a day for 2-7 days; rehydron - 20 g per 1 liter of boiled water orally gradually throughout the day. For dogs, hemodez and hemodez “N” are widely used intravenously in a drip method of 5-10 ml/kg, preferably in a stream or drip of 20-100 ml; polyglucin and rheopolyglucin drip up to 400 ml per day. The following also have a good therapeutic effect: hydrolysine, which is administered intravenously (daily dose up to 200 ml): polyamine intravenously (daily dose up to 500 ml); polyfer intravenous drip (daily dose up to 500 ml); casein hydrolyzate, method of administration and dose are the same as for hydrolysine, etc.

6. For all types of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract in dogs and cats, which are usually accompanied by a lack of digestive enzymes, natural or artificial gastric juice (rec. 136) in a dose of 5-10 ml is prescribed before giving food to improve digestion. Pepsin or abomin is also used at a dose of 300-500 units/kg, trypsin - 0.1-0.3 mg/kg and pancreatin - 0.01-0.07 g/kg, mezim-forte 1-3 tablets per day, pepsidil orally 1-2 tablespoons 3 times a day, chymopsin, chymotrypsin according to the instructions, etc. You can also prescribe enzymes of microbial origin that have an effect similar to pepsin and trypsin - rennin, lysosubtilin, protosubtilin, bactisubtil, solizym, etc. As a dietary supplement, lactolisate can be used at a dose of 5-7 ml/kg daily until recovery.

Liv-52, Essentiale Forte and Panzinorm Forte are especially effective.

7. For toxic gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis, at the onset of the disease, a single dose of saline laxative solutions is administered - sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate in a 2-6% solution, phenolphthalein 0.05-0.2 g orally, isophenine, bisacodyl, artificial Carlsbad salt according to instructions, oils - castor, vaseline, sunflower, olive, soybean, fish oil, etc. in medicinal doses, as well as laxatives of plant origin - aloe juice, joster fruits, buckthorn bark, ramnil, rhubarb root, senadexin, senna leaf, senna extract dry, steelweed tincture, caraway fruits, fennel fruit; Carminative and laxative preparations according to the instructions for their use.

8. For pain, painkillers and sedatives are prescribed. These are belladonna (belladonna) preparations: belladonna tincture (1-5 drops per dose), dry belladonna extract 0.015-0.02 g per dose; complex tablets containing belladonna extract, papaverine hydrochloride; stomach drops, which contain tincture of valerian, tincture of peppermint, wormwood, belladonna, as well as becarbonate tablets, bellalgin, bellasthesin, 1 tablet each. 2-3 times a day, besalol, etc. For the same purpose, sick animals are given almagel or almagel A 1-2 teaspoons 4 times a day, gastrofarm 1-2 tablets. 3 times a day, gastrocepin, imodium 1 capsule 2 times a day for 10 days, as well as caleflen, calmagin, etc.

9. After cleansing the gastrointestinal tract and relieving pain, treatment regimens include: astringents - preparations of tannin, bismuth, salvin, oak bark, St. John's wort, burnet or cinquefoil rhizomes, alder fruit, chamomile flowers, string, blueberry fruits, and bird cherry, sage leaf; adsorbents - aluminum oxide hydrate, activated carbon (rec. 752), talc, white clay and enterosorbent (0.1 g/kg live weight - mix 2 tablespoons with 200 ml of boiled water and drink 2 hours before feeding); enveloping - decoctions of flax seeds, phospholugel, etc.

10. A course of treatment with antibiotics is prescribed, taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora to them and contraindications for their use. Currently, the following domestic antibiotics are widely used: ampiox sodium intramuscularly 10-50 mg/kg 3 times a day; ampicillin sodium or trihydrate intramuscularly or orally, 250-500 mg 4 times a day for 7-10 days in a row; benzylpenicillin sodium, potassium or novocaine salts intramuscularly or subcutaneously 10 thousand units/kg body weight 3-4 times a day, for infections a dose of penicillin; increase to 1 million units. /kg; bicillin-1 intramuscularly 100,000-600,000 units. 1 time per week or biciya-lin-3, 100,000–300,000 units. 1 time every 3 days or 1 time every 6 days, increasing the dose by 2 times; Bicillin-5 I intramuscularly 600,000-1,500,000 units. 1 time every 3 weeks, as well as imported analogs of penicillins - cephalosporins, such as kefzol, caricef, cefamezin and epocelin, fortum, claforan, etc. These antibiotics are low toxic and even in large doses are well tolerated by dogs and cats. They are administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 6 hours at 25-50 mg/kg for 7-10 days in a row. Can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously with the above antibiotics simultaneously or separately, 0.25-0.5 g per animal 2-3 times a day.

Tetracycline antibiotics can be used: tetraolean intramuscularly at 50-100 mg per day per animal for 6-14 days in a row; tetracycline hydrochloride orally 0.25 g 3 times a day 1 5-10 days in a row, can be taken with nystatin, as well as metacycline hydrochloride, morphocycline, oletethrin according to the instructions.

Preparations from the chloramphenicol group are also effective: chloramphenicol stearate or chloramphenicol succinate, which are used according to the instructions in doses of 0.25-0.5 g 3-4 times a day for 7-10 days in a row. Other antibiotics are also widely used: gentamicin sulfate, kanamycin sulfate, monomycin, neomycin sulfate according to the instructions.

Of the sulfonamides, dogs and cats are prescribed:

sulfadimezin and sulfadimethoxine 2-4 times a day, 0.25-1 g orally for 7-10 days in a row; Septrim, biseptol or groseptol orally, 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day for 7-10 days in a row after meals; etazol, and phthalazole 0.5-1 g orally 4-6 times a day for 7-10 days in a row. Norsulfazole, salazodimethoxin, salazapyridazine, streptocide, sulgin, sulfazin, sulfalene, sulfacyl, urosulfan, etc. can also be used orally according to the instructions.

For injections in dogs and cats, Vetrim, Biseptol, co-sulfazine, levotetrasulfan, urzofenicol and others are used according to the instructions.

Nitrofurans have a good therapeutic effect: furadonin, furazolidone, as well as furatsilin and furagin.

11. In parallel with antimicrobial substances, vitamin preparations are prescribed in the form of powders, tablets, capsules, dragees and solutions. Of the vitamins, this is primarily vitamin U, methylmethionine sulfonium chloride) 0.05 g 4-5 times a day orally after meals for 30 days in a row, ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E), multivitamins and their analogues, both orally and in the form of injections. The course of treatment is usually from 14 to 30 days.

12. To stimulate the body, increase its protective properties and create passive immunity in gastrointestinal pathologies, it is advisable to use specific and nonspecific gamma globulins and immunoglobulins subcutaneously or intramuscularly, 0.5-2.0 ml once every 3 days. You can also use lactoglobulins, colostral immunoglobulins, serum and whole blood from adult healthy animals. For this purpose, citrated blood is administered intramuscularly at 2 ml/kg twice with an interval of 2-3 days. Among other immunostimulants, thymalin thymogen, tactivin, timoptin are often used according to the instructions. It is effective to use interferon subcutaneously or intramuscularly, 1 ampoule daily for 3-7 days in a row; it is better to combine its administration with an injection of immunoglobulin.

13. To relieve gastro- and enterospasms, no-shpu, spasmolitin, spasmagon, baralgin, atropine sulfate, spazgan, 0.25-2% solutions of novocaine, aminazine, alcohol, etc. in therapeutic doses are used in the form of tablets or solutions.

4. To prevent and relieve possible allergies, antihistamines are prescribed: 10% solution of gluconate or calcium chloride, 2-10 ml per injection for 5-10 days in a row, diphenhydramine orally, 1/3-1/2 tablet. 2 times a day for 10-20 days or parenterally, as well as diazolin, diprazine, pipolfen, tavegil, suprastin, fenkarol according to the instructions.

15. Physiotherapy and mechanotherapy consists of prescribing massage of the abdominal wall and abdomen, stroking and rubbing the abdomen, placing warm heating pads under the abdomen and in the groin area. Wrapping the abdomen in a warm woolen cloth. Electric lamps with infrared rays are also used to heat the body and abdomen.

Prevention. Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases can be general and specific. basis general prevention for young dogs and cats is to feed them biologically, taking into account their physiological state, providing active exercise, maintaining good sanitary condition and microclimate in the places where animals are located.

Poor quality and unusual products (sweets, confectionery, foods high in fat, canned food, sausage, etc.). Feeding pork to dogs and cats is strictly prohibited. It is unacceptable to contain mechanical impurities, mineral fertilizers, herbicides, drugs and other toxic substances in feed. Animals should always have plenty of clean water at room temperature. The diet must be balanced in terms of feed, sugar-protein and calcium-phosphorus ratios, feed units, digestible protein and energy, as well as the presence of vitamins and carotene. It is advisable to feed animals 2-4 times a day without overloading the stomach. The change in diet should be gradual. It is periodically necessary to carry out preventive fortification and quartz treatment, especially for growing animals.

Prevention of secondary gastritis, gastroenteritis and gastroenterocolitis consists of timely treatment of primary infectious and non-infectious diseases.
ULCER DISEASE OF THE STOMACH IN DOGS

Peptic ulcer is a chronic relapsing disease in which, as a result of disruption of regulatory, nervous and hormonal mechanisms and disorders gastric digestion A peptic ulcer forms in the stomach and, less commonly, in the duodenum.

Etiology. Long-term feeding of waste Catering with an admixture of large amounts of salt, mustard, pepper and other irritating substances, as well as numerous imported feeds and supplements - the direct cause of the formation of ulcers. Violations in the feeding regime predispose to the disease (long breaks in feeding, skipping the next feeding, etc.), feeding frozen fish to hungry animals , meat, hot food, stress (change of owner, violation of training methods, shouting, etc.). A hereditary predisposition to the occurrence of ulcers and erosions of the stomach cannot be ruled out. The disease in most cases occurs as a continuation of gastritis.

Symptoms The course of the disease is chronic, with rare exceptions. Against the background of signs of chronic gastritis (deterioration or perversion of appetite, frequent regurgitation) in animals with the development of ulcers, the general condition worsens, weakness and depression appear, and emaciation quickly progresses. Characteristic sign- the appearance of vomiting several hours after feeding and the presence of bile and blood in the vomit.

Palpation of the stomach area in the left hypochondrium determines pain. Intestinal motility is weakened, constipation is common, and stool is dark in color. With a long course of the disease, the patient’s condition may worsen, and then periods of exacerbation again appear with a sharp deterioration in general condition and frequent vomiting of blood.

The diagnosis is confirmed by examining gastric juice (increased acidity, presence of blood) and X-ray examination (Fig. 10) with a contrast mass (retention of the contrast agent at the site of the ulcer, sharply slowed evacuation of the contrast mass from the stomach into the duodenum). The reaction to the presence of blood pigments in feces during periods of exacerbation is positive.

Treatment. Eliminate the causes of the disease. The diet consists of liquid or semi-liquid food with sufficient amounts of vitamins, especially vitamin U; milk soups, meat broths, tender liquid porridges, jelly with the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil, egg whites and milk.

Among the medicines, first of all, enveloping and adsorbing ones are prescribed (mainly bismuth preparations) - almagel, venter, white clay, flax seed, de-nol, etc. The use of astringents is mandatory - oak bark, burnet, cinquefoil, chamomile flowers, string, fruits blueberries and bird cherry, chaga, as well as vicalin, basic bismuth nitrate, gastrocepin and gastrofarm. During the treatment process, medicinal substances from the groups of antispasmodics, sedatives, tranquilizers and analgesics are widely used.
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION

Etiology. Internal blockage of the intestines can occur as a result of stones, earth, rags, pieces of wood, bones and other objects. In cats, a common cause of intestinal blockage is hair and hairballs.

In the formation of intestinal stones, a combination of three factors is important: dysregulation of the digestive organs (secretion, motility, absorption, etc.), as well as long-term feeding with rough, homogeneous and low-nutrient feed. Metabolic diseases are also a prerequisite for the development of intestinal stones. In cats, a common reason for the formation of hairballs in the large intestine is metabolic disorders and a delay in the molting process.

Symptoms Partial obstruction of the large intestines is manifested by periodic moderate anxiety. During pain-free periods, animals can take food and water; they often continue to pass gas and defecate. After 2-4 days, the animals lose their appetite, anxiety increases, and general temperature, pulse and breathing increase.

In dogs, when the small intestines are blocked, frequent vomiting occurs, appetite is disrupted, the animal is anxious or depressed; mild flatulence of the intestines develops, peristalsis is weakened, and constipation occurs. A foreign body is detected by bimanual palpation through the abdominal wall.

Diagnosis. It is established taking into account the results of the anamnesis, clinical signs, bimanual palpation of the abdomen, and radiography.

Treatment. Conservative treatment is ineffective in most cases. Currently, there is a well-developed, effective technique for surgical removal foreign objects from the intestines.

Conservative treatment consists of administering oily, oily, and mucilaginous products to dogs and cats. Especially often sunflower, castor, vaseline or soybean oil is given inside. Always prescribe warm enemas with soapy water or a disinfectant 4 or more times a day until the general condition of the animal improves.

Herbal medicine for diseases of the digestive system and metabolic disorders.

Metabolism (metabolism) is the basis of life and is the most important specific feature of living matter, distinguishing living from non-living. Its essence is the process of continuous intake of various organic and inorganic compounds into the body from the outside, their assimilation, modification and release of the resulting decomposition products into the environment. Metabolism promotes constant, continuous renewal of organs and tissues without changing their chemical composition.

The main classes of substances - proteins, carbohydrates, fats - play different roles in metabolic processes. Proteins are used by the body mainly as building material, carbohydrates and fats - as materials to cover energy costs. From this it is clear how important it is for metabolism in what form, in what proportions and in what quantity the initial metabolic products enter the body, but even more important is in what form and in what quantities the breakdown products of these complex substances are released from the body.

In the body, the function of maintaining metabolism in terms of breakdown and utilization is performed by the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas.

If these organs are malfunctioning, clinical signs include retching, hiccups, belching, decreased appetite, poor tolerance of certain types of food, and a tendency to diarrhea or constipation. These features in various combinations correspond to several dozen various diseases. This can be gastric atony, gastric pneumatosis, functional achylia of the stomach and many other diseases. Therefore, the key to success in the treatment of metabolic diseases is the use of phytotherapeutic drugs that have wide range action and no side effects.

Good results are obtained by a combination of medicinal plants containing gastroprotectors with antacid and enveloping properties: calamus, marshmallow, cordate linden. Their activity increases when combined with antispasmodics: field or peppermint, lemon balm, fennel, etc. As acute phenomena subside, gastroprotectors are needed, in which the reparative effect predominates in combination with a stimulating effect on the secretion of the digestive glands: St. John's wort, red centaury, wild strawberry, small-flowered smokeberry, etc. At the same time, it is necessary to use medicinal plants with hepatoprotective, cholestatic and regulating pancreatic function. Continuous phytoprophylaxis is very effective. Treatment is carried out in conjunction with drugs that eliminate dyskinesia and dysbacteriosis and restore digestion.

Diagnostic symptoms for chronic liver diseases include weakness, fatigue, weight loss, pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, fever, itching, skin rash and joint pain, and in clinically pronounced stages - jaundice. Urine may acquire dark color, and the stool becomes discolored. Often liver diseases are not detected until sharp deterioration condition. To accurately determine the nature of liver disease, extensive laboratory tests are usually required.

Herbal medicines are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, due to their membrane-stabilizing, selective antispasmodic, choleretic and cholekinetic effects. Medicinal herbs such as milk thistle, greater celandine and Javan turmeric have traditionally been used to treat the liver and biliary tract. Milk thistle has a protective and membrane-stabilizing property for liver cells; greater celandine, golden rod, centaury have an antispasmodic and choleretic effect; Javan turmeric, immortelle, and also liquid extract tansy flowers and leaves have properties that stimulate the formation and secretion of bile.

In the treatment of cholecystitis, medicinal plants with multifaceted clinical effect: anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, choleretic, antibacterial. Mainly choleretic, i.e. The following have a stimulating effect on the formation of bile: calamus, silver birch, knotweed, red centaury, coriander, burdock, tansy, wormwood, common chicory. Cholekinetics are drugs that increase the tone of the gallbladder and relax the bile ducts. This ability is possessed by extracts from calamus, blue cornflower, three-leaved watch, knotweed, small-flowered fumifera, oregano, common coriander, common juniper, dandelion, shepherd's purse, Tangut rhubarb, chamomile, common thyme, caraway, and yarrow. common, wild rose, common fennel. Cholespasmolytics are drugs that relax the smooth muscles of the gallbladder and biliary tract. Antispasmodics of plant origin include: arnica montana, valerian officinalis, elecampane, St. John's wort, lemon balm, peppermint, sage, etc.

Taking into account all the requirements for the regulation of metabolism, a unique herbal remedy for cleansing the body has been developed - Phytoelite - cleansing tea. It contains extracts of the following herbs: St. John's wort, Solyanka holmovaya, centaury herbs and flowers, immortelle flowers, milk thistle seeds, chamomile flowers, lanceolate plantain leaf, dandelion root, marigold flowers, peppermint leaves, tricolor violet herb, mullein petals , licorice root, marsh cudweed grass, yarrow herb and flowers, meadowsweet flowers, birch buds, echinacea flowers, marshmallow roots, celandine herb, barberry roots, agrimony herb. The drug is used in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the digestive system in order to completely detoxify the body and eliminate disturbances in the functioning of the intestines, liver, and pancreas. The dose of the drug for dogs is one tablet per 10 kg of body weight. For preventive purposes and to maintain animal health in rehabilitation period The drugs are given one dose twice a day per day for 10-15 days. If necessary, the course is repeated every 3-4 months. When treating acute forms of various diseases, drugs are used in one dose every 2 hours for 1-2 days. Then 1 tablet 3 times a day until clinical signs of the disease disappear for 7-8 days. When treating chronic forms of various diseases, the drug is given 1 dose 3 times a day. The duration of the drug should be equal to the duration of the disease.

ASCITIS

Ascites (abdominal dropsy) is not considered an independent disease - it develops as a consequence of a long-standing and advanced disease (usually the liver or heart). With ascites, stagnant serous transudate, which is a filtrate of blood plasma, accumulates in the abdominal cavity of dogs (mainly old ones). IN severe cases Cardiovascular failure may develop.

Symptoms: fatigue, difficulty breathing, anemic and jaundiced mucous membranes, the lower and lateral parts of the abdominal wall are symmetrically elongated on both sides of the body. If you lift the dog, holding it under the armpits, the ascitic fluid flows into the lower sections abdominal cavity, resulting in the stomach taking on a characteristic pear-shaped shape.

Treatment: first of all, the veterinarian must identify the real disease as a result of which ascites developed. Curing this underlying disease (if it can be treated) should lead to a cure for dropsy. In addition, the veterinarian prescribes diuretics and cardiac medications, and can, if necessary, perform a puncture to remove ascitic fluid. The dog should be fed food enriched with protein and limit water and salt.

Homeopathic treatment
The combination of drugs Traumeel and Engystol gives best result with ascites, despite the various reasons causing this symptom. Injections are made subcutaneously in one syringe, first twice a day, then, after the condition improves, once a day. Treatment in all cases is long-term. It is carried out until the signs of ascites completely disappear.

Diet therapy
Hill's Prescription Diet food (applied to a specific case).

For ascites accompanying heart disease - Canine h/d, (Canine Treats), for hypoproteinemia - Canine/Feline a/d.

Sluggish APPETITE

Loss or decreased appetite can occur due to foreign bodies entering the stomach, due to feeding adult dogs milk, low acidity of gastric juice, as well as helminthiasis and immunosuppression. Lack of appetite is also a common symptom of many diseases, including esophageal obstruction.

First aid: carry out deworming, give the dog castor or vaseline oil (10-15 ml each). Before eating, you can give your dog 1 tablespoon of vodka.

If all this does not help, contact your veterinarian.

Homeopathic treatment
Normally, a dog should eat greedily, leaving an empty bowl after eating. A reduced or selective appetite often indicates that the animal has increased level intoxication. This may be due to internal reasons, for example, a chronic focus of inflammation or the formation of a focus of degeneration, or external reasons - environmental pollution.

In the first case, it is best to prescribe the drug Cardus compositum. By increasing the detoxification reserve of the liver, this medicine can dramatically reduce the level of intoxication in the body. The result of 2-3 weeks of treatment can be complete normalization of appetite and improvement in general condition.

When poisoning of the body is associated with external, environmental causes, we will get the greatest effect when prescribing the drug Coenzyme compositum.

Unlike Cardus compositum, which is always prescribed by injection, Coenzyme compositum can be given with drinking water, 1-2.5 ml x 2-3 times a week for 1-1.5 months.

Phytotherapy
The so-called vegetable bitters increase appetite - a decoction of wormwood, immortelle, etc. Phytoelita cleansing tea, lactobifide is recommended.

GASTRITIS

Gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Gastritis is usually caused by improper feeding of the animal.

Symptoms: the dog is depressed, after feeding there is vomiting with mucus, a coating on the tongue, pain in the stomach. The temperature may rise, the feces are often unformed.

First aid: the dog is put on a two-day starvation diet, after which it should be given mucous decoctions,
vegetable puree, boiled chicken meat, polysorb on an empty stomach for 5-7 days.

It is advisable to show the dog to a veterinarian.
Homeopathic treatment
Mucosa compositum subcutaneously or orally for all types of gastritis is a basic remedy. A good addition to standard therapy can be drugs such as Engystol, Nux vomica-Homaccord, Cardus compositum.

Phytotherapy
In diseases of the digestive system, herbal medicine plays a significant role, since these diseases are mainly chronic. In the treatment of gastritis, the most important are plants that have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, and enhancing tissue regeneration properties. Among herbal remedies, the most commonly used are decoctions of calamus root, birch buds and leaves, immortelle flowers, oregano herb, dandelion root, agrimony herb, licorice root, cudweed herb, meadowsweet, yarrow and others. You can use Phytoelite Cleansing Tea tablets.

For acute gastritis, mucous decoctions (marshmallow root, flaxseed, licorice root) are indicated.

GASTROENTERITIS

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Catarrhal gastroenteritis (catarrh of the stomach and intestines) is one of the most common diseases that develops in dogs as a result of excessively greedy eating and an overfilled stomach, as well as as a result of feeding too cold, spicy or poor quality food. Catarrhal phenomena also occur under the influence of infection - streptococci and staphylococci, as well as under the influence of one's own intestinal microflora, which has become pathogenic due to exposure to unfavorable conditions.

Symptoms: hot and red mouth, warm and dry nose, decreased appetite or extreme picky eating, fever, extreme thirst, constipation and depression. Catarrh of the stomach is often accompanied by vomiting, while the stomach is painful and sensitive to the touch. With intestinal catarrh, these phenomena are absent, while with damage to the duodenum, diarrhea appears and the urine turns bright yellow. Feces with catarrhal inflammation are liquid, watery, fetid, mixed with undigested food and mucus.

First aid and treatment: rest and a gentle diet. Do not feed the dog for several days, give only water or herbal decoctions and infusions, gamavit, lactoferon, polysorb on an empty stomach for 5-7 days. In the future, feed with nutritious meat food. It is best to feed raw, low-fat meat.

Show the dog to the veterinarian.

Phytotherapy
Among the plants recommended for preparing herbal decoctions and infusions for gastroenteritis are marshmallow root, strings, oak bark, sage leaves, and chamomile. The drug Phytoelita Cleansing tea is also indicated. Collection: fennel (fruit) 25 g, marshmallow (roots) 25 g, chamomile (flowers) 25 g, licorice (root) 25 g.

LIVER DISEASES

Symptoms of liver diseases can manifest themselves in the form of digestive disorders (gastroenteritis, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, stool discoloration, cachexia) and nervous systems(hepatoencephalosis, rotation in a circle, convulsions, coma), in the form of icterus, ascites, impaired hemostasis, as well as functions of the genitourinary system (J. Cotard, 1999).

HEPATITIS

Symptoms: determined mainly by the underlying disease. Characterized by a depressed state, increased body temperature, itching, discoloration of stool, dark urine, loss of appetite, gastroenteritis, bradycardia and arrhythmia, jaundice (mucous membranes and conjunctiva are yellow).

Treatment: 24 hours - fasting diet; then dietary nutrition with the exclusion of fatty foods and the inclusion of easily digestible foods (rice and oatmeal porridge, then milk and dairy products, fresh liver), gamavit. Drug treatment the veterinarian will prescribe after clinical examination and conducting laboratory tests.

Homeopathic treatment
The main drug is Belladonna-Homaccord. Once, subcutaneously - in acute cases.

Phytotherapy
Decoctions of rose hips, chamomile flowers, yarrow, immortelle. In addition, when treating hepatitis of various etiologies, it is necessary to use Phytoelite Cleansing tea and restorative PhytoMines, milk thistle oil.

LIVER FAILURE

Liver failure is a pathological condition characterized by impaired liver function and manifested by jaundice, hemorrhagic syndrome and neuropsychiatric disorders. Liver failure manifests itself in both acute and chronic form.

Acute liver failure can develop in severe poisoning, infections, generalized sepsis within several hours or days after pathological exposure. The functioning of the liver sharply deteriorates, which leads to severe self-poisoning of the body and the development of hepatic coma.

Symptoms: indomitable vomiting, the dog is in a state of complete prostration, consciousness is disturbed to the point of complete loss, a cloying fetid odor emanates from the mouth, and shock develops in the final stage.

Treatment is carried out by a veterinarian.

Chronic liver failure as opposed to acute liver failure develops slowly, sometimes over many months, and can be complicated by jaundice and hemorrhagic diathesis.

Symptoms: lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, possible increase in body temperature, enlarged liver. Blood tests reveal increased levels of bilirubin and transaminases. In the terminal stage, a decrease in body temperature below normal, jaundice, hemorrhages, and blood in the feces.

Treatment should be carried out by a veterinarian. Transfer the dog to a quiet lifestyle, eliminate physical activity, the diet should contain less protein, lactoferon, vitamins B and E complex are indicated. For medications: glucocorticoids are a must, antibiotics (as indicated).

Homeopathic treatment
A decrease in liver function often requires careful selection of medications and long-term treatment, as well as clinical and laboratory monitoring of the course of the disease and its dynamics. Of the homeopathic remedies, Nux vomica-Homaccord, Chelidonium-Homaccord and Cardus compositum have the most beneficial effects on the liver.

For treatment acute hepatitis The first choice drugs are Chelidonium-Gomaccord and Engystol. The latter is prescribed not only in cases of viral hepatitis, but also as the main regulator of protein metabolism and a protector of liver cells.
In chronic hepatitis, the success of treatment largely depends on the activity of liver cells, so it is advisable to include Coenzyme compositum in the treatment plan.

To achieve the greatest success in the treatment of both acute and chronic hepatitis, at the end of the course it is necessary to prescribe the drug Liarsin, which prevents fatty and fibrotic degeneration of the liver.

In the case of cirrhosis and idiopathic fibrosis of the liver, the main drugs will be Cardus compositum, Coenzyme compositum and Phosphorus-Homaccord. Treatment should be long-term, with the addition of other medications depending on the symptoms.
Chelidonium-Homaccord is a basic remedy for the treatment of cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis. However, with jaundice, the patient should be more carefully examined for acute pancreatitis and tumor processes of the pancreas and duodenum.

In the treatment of liver tumors, all of the above drugs are used, and in case of pain, Traumeel is included in the treatment plan, the frequency of administration of which depends on the intensity of the manifestations of the disease.

DIET THERAPY FOR LIVER DISEASES

Dietary therapy for liver diseases is mainly a supportive measure and requires a clear balance between the nutrients necessary to maintain homeostasis and ensure liver regeneration. The main goals of diet therapy are:

• Maintaining metabolic homeostasis
• Correction of electrolyte disturbances
• Avoiding the accumulation of toxic metabolic products
• Supports the storage and synthetic capacity of the liver
• Prevent or reduce hepatic encephalopathy
• Improved nutritional status
• Promoting recovery and regeneration of hepatocytes
• Prevention or relief of diarrhea and reduction of malassimilation
• Successful nutritional support requires the provision of a diet with an appropriate nutritional profile and a feeding pattern that provides adequate energy intake and avoids long intervals between meals.

Hill's introduces a new Prescription Diet* Canine l/d*, intended for dogs with liver disease. Prescription Diet* Canine l/d* helps reduce clinical signs and consume optimal levels of nutrients that promote rapid recovery and regeneration of the liver during the recovery period.
Prescription Diet* Canine l/d* have an excellent taste and are recommended for use in the following hepatobiliary disorders:

Inflammatory:

• Reactionary hepatitis (response to toxins, often of gastrointestinal origin).
• Acute and chronic hepatitis (infectious, autoimmune and toxic origin, including accumulation of copper in the liver).
• Cirrhosis (the final stage of most chronic liver diseases).
• Bile duct inflammation syndrome.

Non-inflammatory:

Liver lipidosis.

• Portal vascular anomalies (including portosystemic shunts).
• Extrahepatic obstruction of the bile ducts.
• Corticosteroid-induced hepatopathy.

Most liver diseases involve similar metabolic disturbances that affect the body's utilization of nutrients—especially proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Providing optimal levels of these three essential nutrients requires a careful balance between your needs and the consequences of excess.

In addition, changes in intake of other nutrients may also be beneficial for patients with liver disease.

Aromatic amino acids Aromatic amino acids cannot be metabolized efficiently if liver function is impaired, and their increased levels act neurotoxically, worsening hepatic encephalopathy.

Copper In liver diseases, the accumulation of copper in the liver increases and has a number of toxic effects, the main of which is the stimulation of lipid peroxidation, which leads to impaired cell respiration.

Iron Increased copper accumulation occurs in liver disease, leading to peroxidation and cellular dysfunction.
Sodium Excess sodium leads to portal hypertension and the development of ascites.

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea (diarrhea) in dogs is common. Since many dogs readily try to taste different objects and things, diarrhea occurs frequently. Although the cause of diarrhea can be a change in the food consumed, the main cause is digging through garbage in garbage dumps and allergies. More serious causes of severe and prolonged stool disorder can also be viral infections, inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, intoxication, liver disease, poor intestinal absorption, tumors, and metabolic disorders. Often, diarrhea can begin after an adult dog is given milk - lactose (a carbohydrate found in cow's milk) is not absorbed by the dog’s body due to the lack of the lactase enzyme, which breaks down lactose. Therefore, milk or certain dairy products can cause dogs to develop diarrhea.

In puppies in the first week of life, diarrhea can be caused by E. coli, as well as staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. This is the so-called diarrhea of ​​newborn young. At the same time, just yesterday, strong and healthy puppies first begin to suck weakly, and then generally lose the ability to hold the nipple, become lethargic, squeak weakly, and their body temperature decreases. Such puppies should be artificially fed, and the appropriate course of treatment should be prescribed by a veterinarian. Diarcan and Vetom 1.1 orally, subcutaneous gamavit, saline and ascorbic acid are indicated. With repeated and profuse bowel movements, big loss electrolytes, causing dehydration of the body, which can lead to the death of the animal.

If diarrhea occurs in young animals, it is necessary to immediately show the dog to a veterinarian to exclude the possibility of parvovirus enteritis.

First aid for adult animals: put the dog on a starvation diet, give it plenty of fluids: sweet tea, rice water, rehydron solution, manganese solution. Give polysorb for 5-7 days and enemas with polysorb, for food poisoning give lactobifide, for infectious diarrhea - diarcan orally, lactoferon 2 times a day, 1 tablet per 10 kg of dog weight, or Vetom 1.1. After a day, give your dog some rice and boiled chicken. Maintain the diet until stool normalizes.

If the diarrhea is severe, painful, with blood, mucus, accompanied by vomiting, if the dog becomes weak, dehydrated, or the diarrhea continues for more than 2 days and does not stop after taking antibiotics, then consult a veterinarian.

Folk remedies
For diarrhea and other symptoms of incipient gastrointestinal disease in a puppy or adult dogs, V. Krukover recommends using old recipe: 1 egg white, 5 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon glucose, 1 tablespoon cognac. Many dogs have been saved with this drug.

Homeopathic treatment
Traumeel in the form of frequent subcutaneous injections(2-3 times a day) will be the drug of choice in most cases.

To enhance the effect, Mucosa compositum is used as an additional agent. Both drugs can be administered in the same syringe.

In case of dehydration, Berberis-Homaccord must be added to Traumeel, and in case of viral diarrhea - Engystol.
Splashes of fresh blood in the background normal color fecal masses, as a rule, indicate mechanical damage to blood vessels in the large intestine (spasms). In this case, it is better to use Nux vomica-Gomaccord or Berberis-Gomaccord or both drugs together as the main medicine.

Acute intestinal disorder does not require long-term treatment. This process can be stopped with 1-2 ml injections of the drug Berberis-Gomaccord or together with Engystol. For puppies up to 1 month old with diarrhea, both drugs are given orally, 5-10 drops. 4-6 times a day. If diarrhea occurs against the background of elevated body temperature, then Echinacea compositum is prescribed, also in the form of an injection in young and adult dogs or orally in puppies up to 1 month.

Chronic diarrhea causes a lot of anxiety for patients and their owners and is difficult to treat with traditional methods.
From the point of view of homeopathy, the presence of such a pathology indicates chronic renal failure, which is partly compensated by the activation of intestinal drainage.

Prescribing a mixture of drugs Cantharis compositum and Berberis-Gomaccord can permanently eliminate this symptom, thanks to active influence on the excretory function of the kidneys.

Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections of these drugs are given 2-3 times a week for one month.

Phytotherapy
Herbal decoctions are recommended - chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, calamus, lingonberry, elecampane, oak (bark), cinquefoil erect, gray alder, shepherd's purse, marsh cudweed, great plantain, yarrow, chicory, sage, horse sorrel. Or Phytoelita Cleansing tea. After recovery, it is desirable to restore the reserves of microelements in the body, since the greatest loss occurs with various types of diarrhea. You can use the restorative phytomineral supplement FitoMina, the composition of which is selected taking into account the mineral needs of the body for various diseases.

Diet therapy
Hill's Prescription Diet Canine i/d:
lack of fiber - Canine w/d, Canine t/d and t/d Mini,
indigestion of food - Canine d/d.

GASTRIC VOLSION

Gastric volvulus is a displacement of the stomach with a rotation around the axis of the lesser omentum, accompanied by a violation of its patency and blood supply. This disease occurs almost exclusively in large breed dogs with severe chest(setters, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Giant Schnauzers, Bloodhounds, Boxers, Basset Hounds, Airedale Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Weimar Pointers, etc.), and mainly in males. Critical age according to appeal - 6-10 years. It is believed that predisposition to this disease is inherited on a polygenic basis. The reasons that result in gastric volvulus have not yet been sufficiently studied. One of them is a weakening of the ligamentous apparatus on which the stomach is secured in the abdominal cavity, which can lead to twisting of the stomach around its axis. As a result, a closed cavity is formed in which enzymatic processes continue, the formation of gases that bloat the stomach. The latter, under the influence of gases, acquires enormous dimensions, compresses the vena cava and part of the aorta. This, in turn, leads to poor circulation, hypoxia and causes cardiovascular failure. Pain shock develops and soon the dog dies.

Symptoms: anxiety, pain, sudden and rapid bloating of the abdomen, which becomes barrel-shaped. Attempts to vomit with the release of foamy saliva and mucus, the dog seems to be choking. The look is frightened, the gait is tense, the dog has difficulty moving. Severe shortness of breath, cardiovascular failure (pale gums) and pain shock.

The further fate of the dog depends on decisive action owner. The chances of saving the dog remain only for 4-6 hours after the occurrence of gastric volvulus.

It is urgent to take the animal to the veterinary clinic!

According to Shertel E.R. e.a. (1997) when resuscitating dogs that were in a state of shock due to gastric volvulus, the best effect is provided by the administration of hypertonic NaCl solution and 6% dextran (glucose) solution at the rate of 5 ml/kg. Saline hypertonic solution quickly restores the hypodynamic state of patients in a state of shock. Its use in cases of gastric dilatation and volvulus is especially necessary to quickly eliminate possible organic lesions due to ischemia.

Prevention:

1. Do not burden the dog after heavy feeding.
2. Divide the daily portion of food into several doses. The food should be high-calorie, easily digestible and digestible.
3. After eating, do not allow the dog to drink large amounts of water.

Features of feeding

Gastric volvulus is often caused by volumetric, liquid food. Although it is physiologically correct to feed the dog thick, concentrated food. Various cereals with insufficient heat treatment (poorly soaked and cooked), when eaten by a dog, swell in the stomach, occupying a larger volume, and contribute to its stretching. A smaller risk factor is feeding a diet of cereals, meat and vegetables. And ideally, of course, feeding high-quality dry or canned food.

Diet therapy

Hill's Prescription Diet Canine i/d.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation can occur when a dog eats indigestible objects (for example, a large or dry piece of boiled bone) that are unable to pass through the anus, or from hairballs and feces that, when dehydrated, become stuck in the rectum and do not move well. The causes of constipation can also be: hernia, tumor, disruption of intestinal innervation, mechanical obstacles, enlarged prostate gland in males, lumps of grass, strong helminthic infestations and improper feeding. Constipation affects older animals more often than young ones.

Symptoms: abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, ribbon-shaped feces with blood and an unpleasant pungent odor, swelling on both sides of the anus.

If grass, fur or pieces of feces stick out from the anus, then treatment can be carried out at home.

First aid: the easiest way is to give a saline laxative, and then, 6 hours later, give a cleansing enema. If constipation does not stop for a long time, then add fermented milk products and vegetable oil to the dog’s diet - 1 teaspoon per 5 kg of weight. Take your dog's temperature. If the thermometer hits a solid obstacle or blood appears on it, consult a veterinarian.
Homeopathic treatment
The most universal combination of drugs for the treatment of constipation: Nux vomica-Homaccord and Chelidonium-Homaccord. If the effect is not sufficiently pronounced, then therapy is carried out using the drug Cardus compositum or Mucosa compositum. Treatment should only be given by injection. Treatment of chronic constipation should always be combined with the most appropriate diet for the animal.

Acupuncture and Su Jok therapy are indicated.

Phytotherapy

Collection: alder buckthorn (bark) 60 g, sweet clover (herb) 20 g, stinging nettle (leaves) 20 g.

Diet therapy
Hill's Prescription Diet Canine w/d, Canine t/d and t/d Mini, Canine r/d.

PICA

Perverted appetite refers to eating obviously inedible objects - socks, slippers, candy wrappers, clay, books, and also, in some cases, one's own and other people's feces. Often this is not only extremely unhygienic, but can also pose a serious threat to the health of the animal.

A perverted appetite can develop as a result of improper feeding, pancreatic insufficiency, lack of vitamins (for example, vitamin D, or in spring hypovitaminosis, certain amino acids) and mineral elements, helminth infestation, infectious diseases and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, there are so-called behavioral reasons.

To eradicate this bad and harmful habit, you need to pay more attention to the dog, play with it more often and longer, rewarding it for playing with the “right” objects and, conversely, ceasing to pay attention to the dog if it carries unwanted objects in its mouth. To prevent your dog from chewing on your favorite slippers, you can spray them with an aerosol with a pungent odor. In addition, when a dog puts an unwanted object in its mouth, you can (if it happens outside the house) suddenly spray it with water from a children's water pistol. If a perverted appetite worsens in early spring, this may indicate that the body does not have enough vitamins - then you need to add foods rich in vitamins A and C to the dog’s diet. To prevent the dog from eating feces (a sign of a deficiency minerals), we urgently need to replenish her diet with calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin and mineral supplements SA-37, Kostochka, Gamma are shown.
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.

Intestinal obstruction can develop in dogs due to constipation - with the accumulation of feces in the large intestine (coprostasis), due to violation of feeding rules (eating a large number of bones, spicy food, sweets, insufficient drinking), as a result of helminthic infestation, as well as due to swallowed foreign bodies. As a result, there is an accumulation of feces and gases in the intestines. This common problem in puppies and old dogs. In addition, obstruction often develops in easily excitable dogs that like to beg and swallow inedible objects: Dobermans, Giant and Miniature Schnauzers, etc. A widely known case is how one Doberman was operated on three times for swallowing an enema, however, he almost swallowed her for the fourth time.

Symptoms: depressed, or vice versa, excessively restless state, unsteady gait, lack of appetite, bad smell coming from the mouth, vomiting develops. The belly swells, the dog whines pitifully.

First aid. If the listed symptoms are present, urgently take the dog to a veterinary hospital, and before that, put it on a starvation diet and ensure complete rest.

Phytotherapy
Very good remedy for coprostasis - Phytoelite cleansing tea.

FLATULENCE

Flatulence (bloating due to the accumulation of gases in the intestines) is not very common in dogs. Accumulated gases put pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing difficult. In particularly severe cases, this condition leads to shock and rapid death. Large dogs, for example, Irish Wolfhound and Boxer, are usually susceptible to flatulence. Flatulence can be caused by overeating (especially food that easily begins to ferment), excessive drinking, and sudden movements after eating. It can develop at any age, but is more common in small puppies, as well as in older animals.

Symptoms: the dog is restless, sometimes rushes about, whines pitifully. The abdomen is swollen and painful to the touch. Defecation and discharge of gases are frequent in the initial period of the disease, and then gradually decrease and disappear completely.

First aid: first of all, to relieve the spasm, give the dog no-shpa or analgin. Then, to remove gases, give the dog activated carbon or polysorb. Give a cleansing enema. Be sure to give lactoferon in a dosage of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight, since otherwise putrefactive microflora may develop in the intestines.

A gentle diet, with a decrease in carbohydrates.

Homeopathic treatment
Nux vomica-Homaccord and Engystol more often than other drugs give the expected result in the treatment of flatulence and impaired intestinal motility. They can be prescribed either in the form of mixed injections or alternating (Nux vomica-Homaccord - in the morning, Engystol - in the evening). It is also possible to take these funds internally. In many cases you can get by internal reception drug Liarsin 1 tablet. x 2-3 times a day.

It is advisable to exclude from the diet those foods that most contribute to gas formation in a given patient.
If the abdomen becomes enlarged, accompanied by violent peristalsis and the release of gases and the general condition of the animal does not deteriorate, it is best to give the drug Liarsin (1 tablet every 15 minutes), which usually quickly normalizes the digestion process. If such episodes recur, it is necessary to find out the cause of these manifestations from a doctor.

Phytotherapy
Dill water and infusions of chamomile, cumin, mint, lemon balm, chamomile, and fennel help well.

Diet therapy
Hill's Prescription Diet: Canine i/d,
lack of fiber - Canine w/d, Canine t/d and t/d Mini, inability to digest food - Canine d/d.

PARANALYIT

Paraanalytitis is an inflammation of the paraanal sinuses, which are located in pockets on both sides of the anus, that is, at the entrance to the rectum. These are paired pockets lying directly under the skin, under the rectum, somewhat to the side of the anus, covered only by the muscle that closes the anus. A secret is produced in these pockets dark brown With unpleasant smell. It is assumed that this secret is needed in order to attract animals of the opposite sex. Normal emptying of the sinuses is facilitated by dense stools. If the dog passes mushy or liquid feces for a long time, it may happen that most of the secretions of the paraanal glands will linger in the sinuses, thicken and clog the excretory ducts. During inflammation, the latter sharply narrow, and the outflow of secretions is disrupted. The disease occurs in both young and old animals.

Symptoms The animal develops severe itching. The dog moves in a sitting position, leaning on its front paws, crawling along the floor back body, licks or bites itself in the anal area. Dermatitis may develop in the lumbar and croup areas. In severe cases, a fistula forms near the anus.

Treatment. Sometimes fidgeting on the floor brings the animal the desired relief, and the sinuses are emptied. In other cases, the dog needs help by massaging the pockets and squeezing out their contents. Only when performing this procedure is it necessary to put a muzzle on the dog, since the massage is quite painful and the animal may react aggressively to this manipulation. To perform the massage, lubricate your index finger with Vaseline and insert it one-third into the dog’s anus. On both sides of the rectum you will feel small round lumps the size of large beans or walnuts. Alternately squeeze the contents of the bags from the right and left until you squeeze out all the contents. In addition to massage, ichthyol suppositories are used (alternately with sea buckthorn suppositories) in the rectum, cooling ointments that eliminate the inflammatory condition. After applying the ointment, you need to carefully monitor the dog so that it does not crawl on the floor on the back of its body - otherwise it will stain the floor and carpets. You can also put your dog in some underpants or shorts with holes for his paws and tail.

If you are unable to squeeze out the secretions from the anal sacs on your own, you should contact a veterinary clinic.
Diet. Eliminate rough foods for several weeks; it is especially important not to feed bones. It is advisable to give beef not raw, but boiled, and add it in the evening rice porridge on the water.

Homeopathic treatment
Traumeel C gel externally 2-3 times a day for redness and swelling of the perianal area.

Phytotherapy
An increase in fiber in food helps to cleanse the anal sinuses naturally. Add fiber to your dog's diet in the form of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds, which also supports intestinal motility and plays an important role in the prevention of diseases of the colon and rectum, and is also important in preventing constipation.

PERITONITIS

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum that develops as a result of infection entering the abdominal cavity, or when a pathological process spreads from organs located in the abdominal cavity (perforated ulcer, rupture of the uterine wall, etc.). It occurs more often in an acute form.

Symptoms: fever, tense and painful stomach, urination and defecation are impaired or absent, vomiting, the mucous membranes of the eyes are red, the pulse is rapid, a blood test reveals severe leukocytosis (100,000 leukocytes/ml and above).
Treatment is prescribed and carried out by a veterinarian.

VOMIT

Excessive salivation, frequent licking of lips and rapid swallowing movements are signs of nausea and impending vomiting. Vomiting often clears the stomach of hairballs. If poisoning, infections and helminthic infestations are excluded, then vomiting may be physiological in nature. Purifying vomiting, which occurs no more than 1-2 times a month, is generally a physiological feature of dogs and other predators. In more severe cases, vomiting is a sign of some illness. It is necessary to distinguish vomiting from regurgitation. Regurgitated food is covered with mucus from the esophagus, as it does not have time to get into the stomach.

If the vomiting is black or bloody, prolonged, accompanied by fever, drowsiness, weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or dehydration, contact your veterinarian immediately.

If the dog's body temperature exceeds 39 degrees, you must call a veterinarian.

If vomiting lasts less than 3 minutes and is not accompanied by diarrhea, do not water or feed the dog for 12 hours, give Polysorb, after which you can give the dog 3-5 teaspoons of soft food. If the animal does not vomit, increase the amount of food. The next day, feed your dog as usual.

Acupuncture and Su Jok therapy are indicated.

Prevention. To avoid vomiting, do not suddenly change your dog's diet or give him scraps or toys that he might tear apart and swallow.

Homeopathic treatment
Two medications can be used as antiemetics - Atropinum compositum or Nux Vomica-Homaccord.

But if we know the cause of this symptom, then the treatment may be different.

For example, vomiting can be caused by:

• inflammation of the gallbladder - Chelidonium-Homaccord,
• kidney - Cantharis compositum
• prostate gland - Traumeel
• uteri - Lachesis compositum
• meninges - Belladonna-Homaccord
• For indomitable vomiting, Atropinum compositum is more often used (cannot be used if there is obstruction).
• For bloody vomiting - Mucosa compositum in combination with Traumeel. For vomiting, treatment is carried out only in the form of injections.
• Phytotherapy
• Since vomiting contributes to the rapid leaching of necessary mineral salts from the body, it is recommended to introduce the restorative PhytoMina dietary supplement into the dog’s diet.

Diet therapy
Hill's Prescription Diet Canine i/d food

ENTEROCOLITIS

Symptoms: bloating and rumbling in the abdomen, diarrhea (at first the stool is mushy, mixed with mucus, then watery, with blood), possibly alternating diarrhea with constipation. Sometimes the perianal area becomes inflamed, and then the dog vigorously licks it, sits down on the floor and crawls along it, as if on a sled.

In chronic enterocolitis, weakness, exhaustion, metabolic disorders, deficiency of vitamins A, C and group B, deficiency of calcium, phosphorus and iron are noted.

The diagnosis must be made by a veterinarian to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms and, above all, plague, leptospirosis, parvovirus enteritis and infectious hepatitis.

First aid: do not feed the dog for 1-2 days (you can give a little mucous rice water), but give plenty of water, give polysorb, then you can give it a little oat broth and minced meat. The gastrointestinal tract should be cleansed with castor oil(1-3 tablespoons inside). Also shown are papaya, enhanced vitamin therapy (Gamavit), vittri, sulf-
120 or sulf-480, diarcan, which acts antiseptically and has antibacterial effect (coli, shigella and other enterobacteria).

Your veterinarian will prescribe medication.

Phytotherapy
Infusion of chamomile, fennel, caraway, sage, St. John's wort, immortelle, decoction oak bark, Dill water.

Diet therapy
Hill's Prescription Diet:

• for lack of fiber - Canine w/d, Canine t/d and t/d Mini, Canine r/d,
• in case of failure to digest food - Canine d/d, in other cases - Canine i/d.

STOMACH ULCER

The disease is rare in dogs. It usually occurs in a chronic form and is characterized by ulceration of the gastric mucosa. Develops due to feeding too cold or, conversely, too hot food, as a consequence of pancreatitis, etc.
Symptoms: The disease is often asymptomatic. The first signs are usually depression, weakness, vomiting mixed with blood several hours after eating, and liquid, tarry stool.

Treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian.

Homeopathic treatment
Main medicines are Mucosa compositum and Traumeel. For severe pain and vomiting, Atropinum compositum is indicated. Often the ulcerative process in dogs develops as a result of chronic renal failure.

Therefore, treatment with the drugs Cantharis compositum and Berberis-Gomaccord often ends in complete recovery. Perhaps the combination of Mucosa compositum and Cantharis compositum is the most successful treatment
stomach ulcers in dogs.

An ulcer against the background of hyperacid gastritis is most quickly cured with the help of Liarsin (1 tablet x 3-4 times a day).

Phytotherapy
Prescribed decoctions of flaxseed, chamomile flowers, calendula officinalis, and milk thistle oil. Collection: fennel (fruits) 30 g, chamomile (flowers) 30 g, linden (flowers) 30 g.

DIET THERAPY FOR GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT DISEASES

Hill's company has proposed the medicinal food Prescrition Diet Canine i/d for the treatment of dogs with gastrointestinal diseases. This food contains a complex of natural soluble dietary fibers obtained from cotyledons. This complex of fibers is called fibrim.

The main feature of fibrin is that it is much more easily subject to enzymatic breakdown by the microflora of the intestinal tract of dogs than any other dietary fiber, including those obtained from beet pulp. In the process of enzymatic breakdown of fibrin by intestinal microflora, short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic) are formed. Moreover, when fibrin is broken down, much more of these acids are formed than from any other soluble dietary fiber.

Short-chain fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the large intestine. In particular, by reducing the pH in the intestines, they promote the growth of normal microflora and suppress the growth of pathogenic microflora. In addition, short-carbon chain acids are the main energy source for animal intestinal cells. Therefore, Canine i/d food is an ideal treatment for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis and inflammatory diseases of the large intestine.

Canine i/d has nutritional features that make it an excellent food for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders:

Firstly, this food is highly digestible, because... contains high-quality animal protein and rice, which contains easily digestible carbohydrates.
The food contains the necessary and strictly controlled levels of protein and fat, the excess of which is undesirable for all gastrointestinal diseases.
The food does not contain lactose (responsible for lactose intolerance) and gluten from wheat, barley, rye, oats and buckwheat, which can cause hypersensitivity to these substances in dogs.
Contains higher levels of electrolytes, especially potassium, which helps prevent a decrease in their concentration due to diarrhea.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in dogs are very common. In this regard, the question arises correct assessment identified symptoms, verification of diagnosis and prescription of adequate treatment.

The main gastroenterological syndromes include:
- anorexia - refusal to eat food;
- perversion of appetite;
- vomiting, regurgitation, belching;
- acute and chronic diarrhea;
- constipation;
- tenesmus;
- flatulence;
- abdominal pain;
- salivation;
- dysphagia - difficulty swallowing;
- change in consistency, color, smell of stool;
- progressive exhaustion.

The severity of a particular syndrome depends on the location of the affected area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract, the time of illness, and etiological factors.

To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to carefully collect an anamnesis, on the basis of which one can conclude whether the disease is primary or secondary, and formulate primary diagnoses for further differential diagnosis. Verification of the diagnosis is carried out after a thorough clinical examination of the animal and additional diagnostic studies (radiographic, ultrasound, laboratory tests of blood, feces, urine).

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ANOREXIA, VOMITING, REGURGITATION, DYSPHAGIA, SALIVA

Vomiting is a reflex act controlled by the vomiting center located in the medulla oblongata. This center is influenced by the trigger zone chemoreceptors at the level of the fourth ventricle. Through the autonomic nerves, the vomiting center in the periphery is connected with receptors of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, stomach, intestines, and peritoneum, irritation of which can cause vomiting. Vomiting is a protective reflex or physiological process in lactating bitches.

There are 4 types of vomiting:
1. Vomiting of central origin (increased intracranial pressure, head injuries, emotional stress).
2. Vomiting due to chemicals, acting in the chemoreceptor zone (inhalation of irritating substances, administration of drugs affecting the vomiting center).
3. Peripherally induced vomiting (irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, stomach, peritoneum during peritonitis).
4. Mixed vomiting.

If vomiting is present, you should pay attention to its frequency and nature. The animal owner is asked about the temporary relationship between feeding and vomiting, the presence of food and the degree of its digestion, the color and consistency of the vomit.

In a healthy dog, gastric emptying usually occurs within 10-12 hours. With obstruction of the pyloric sphincter, impaired secretory and motor function of the stomach, obstruction in the caudal part of the intestine, vomiting of food mixed with bile can occur 12 or more hours after feeding. The presence of bile in the vomit indicates duodenal-gastric reflux, in which bile refluxes into the stomach. Vomiting that occurs immediately after eating can be associated with gastritis, obstruction of the cranial intestine, diseases of the pancreas, and severe colitis. The presence of blood (hematomesis) can occur when the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine is damaged, or due to a blood clotting disorder. Possible vomiting of swallowed blood due to injuries in the oral cavity and respiratory tract. Bloody vomiting indicates a violation of the permeability of the mucous barrier of the stomach and severe gastritis, erosions and ulcers of the esophagus and stomach. Vomiting may be mixed with fresh blood, or vomit the color of “coffee grounds”, which is more unfavorable prognostically and indicates severe damage to the stomach or distal intestines.

Vomiting of central origin, as a rule, is not associated with a feeding factor and the contents of the vomit may be in varying degrees digestion.

Regurgitation (regurgitation)- pushing swallowed food out of the esophagus into the oral and nasal cavities. With regurgitation, the usual gagging movements are absent - contraction of the abdominal muscles, salivation. Regurgitation can appear with diverticula, stenosis, inflammation, tumors of the esophagus, diaphragmatic hernia, chronic tonsillitis, thymoma and other neoplasms in the chest cavity. Regurgitation is common in post-weaning puppies due to idiopathic dilatation of the esophagus.

Dysphagia is difficulty in taking food and water. Swallowing problems usually indicate disease in the oral cavity and pharynx. It is necessary to differentiate between swallowing disorders and esophageal obstruction. If the patency of the esophagus is impaired, a prolonged, repeated painful act of swallowing is characteristic. With dysphagia, prolonged chewing movements, drooling, and head movements forward, backward, and to the sides are noted. Swallowing is accompanied by raising the head, difficulty breathing, and moaning. Swallowing disorders may be caused by damage to the medulla oblongata (rabies, palsy), and therefore it is necessary to exclude the influence of the nervous system.

Drooling is the frequent swallowing of saliva not associated with food intake or the inability to retain saliva, as a result of which it foams and falls in flakes. Drooling always accompanies dysphagia and vomiting. This symptom indicates the localization of the pathological process in upper section gastrointestinal tract. Excessive drooling can lead to dehydration. Drooling is often a sign of intoxication.

CLASSIFICATION OF DIARRHEA, DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THERAPY

Diarrhea is frequent or single bowel movement with the release of liquid feces. This is the most common symptom gastroenteric disorders.

By origin, diarrhea can be primary or secondary. The causes of primary diarrhea may be specific diseases intestines (enteritis, colitis, parvovirus and bacterial infections, pancreatic insufficiency) and functional disorders (feed change, stress). Secondary diarrhea develops as a result of a systemic disease (pathology of the endocrine, excretory system).

Any diarrhea is a violation of the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. Of the total amount of fluid entering the body, only about 2% is excreted in the feces, the rest of the water is absorbed in the intestines. The pathogenesis of diarrhea of ​​various etiologies has much in common.

Table 1

Four main mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of diarrhea: intestinal hypersecretion, increased osmotic pressure in the intestinal cavity, impaired transit of intestinal contents and intestinal hyperexudation (Table 1).

Secretory diarrhea characterized by copious watery stools, not accompanied by pain, and occurs when secretion of water into the intestinal lumen prevails over absorption. Secretion activators are bacterial toxins, enteropathogenic viruses, pharmacological agents containing anthroglycosides (senna leaf, buckthorn bark, etc.) and biologically active substances (secretin, calcitonin, prostaglandins). Secretory diarrhea occurs when the absorption of bile acids is impaired and the contractile function of the gallbladder is poor. In this case, the feces become yellow or green in color.

Hyperosmolar diarrhea develops due to an increase in osmotic pressure of chyme. This occurs with malabsorption syndrome, under the influence of saline laxatives containing magnesium, phosphorus ions, and antacids. Feces with hyperosmolar diarrhea are unformed, abundant, contain undigested food residues, defecation is painless.

Hyper- and hypokenetic diarrhea develops when the transit of chyme is disrupted under the influence of laxatives, antacids, hormones, as well as during enteroanastomoses. Stool with this diarrhea is frequent, liquid, the total amount is insignificant. Before defecation, the animal experiences anxiety due to cramping pain.

Exudative diarrhea occurs due to the release of water into the intestinal lumen through the damaged mucous membrane and is accompanied by exudation of protein into the intestinal lumen. This type of diarrhea is observed in inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis, and acute intestinal infections. The stool is frequent, liquid, mixed with blood and pus, painful.

Acute diarrhea lasts up to 10-15 days, then the process becomes chronic. Diarrhea during fasting indicates secretory disorders, absence during fasting - about osmotic diarrhea.

BASIC CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF SMALL AND COLON DIARRHEA

Tenesmus and pain during bowel movements usually indicate disease in the colon, rectum and anal area.

Appearance time. Unexpected urges are typical for diseases of the colon.

Appearance of feces. Bulk and “fatty” stools indicate impaired digestion and absorption, pancreatitis. Abundant mucus, blood - for diseases of the large intestine.

Frequency of bowel movements. Rare bowel movements (1-3 times a day) indicate damage to the small intestine, frequent bowel movements (4-7 times) indicate damage to the large intestine.

For any diarrhea, helminth ovoscopy must be performed, bacteriological examination, dysbacteriosis testing, determination of feed digestibility, biochemical analysis blood, endoscopy and colonoscopy if possible.

DISEASES OF THE SMALL INTESTINE

Acute enteritis. Acute enteritis is mainly caused by bacterial enterotoxins. Acute enteritis can be exudative and secretory. Bacterial enterotoxins damage intestinal villi and intestinal walls. This disrupts the absorption of sodium and water ions. The most severe lesions occur in the jejunum and ileum.

Non-inflammatory diarrhea is often reported in dogs due to poor diet. Diarrhea of ​​non-inflammatory etiology is mainly due to the fact that poor quality food causes the formation of excess osmotically active substances in the intestine, causing the accumulation of fluid that cannot be reabsorbed. This can be caused by a large amount of feed, excess carbohydrates, lactose, contaminated, cold or hot food. Diarrhea can occur when peristalsis increases under the influence of toxins, as well as in active dogs after exercise.

Celiac enteropathy. A disease of the small intestine, characterized by the development of atrophy of the intestinal mucosa in response to the introduction of gluten (a protein contained in wheat, rye, barley). Atrophy of the mucosa leads to impaired absorption of nutrients, diarrhea, steatorrhea, and weight loss. The basis of pathogenesis of this disease lies the pathological immune reaction of the intestinal mucosa to gluten. Lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the mucosa occurs and the content of MEL increases. of which 80% are T cells. Young dogs are more likely to get sick; it has been proven that the disease has a hereditary cause.

Lymphangiectasia. A disease characterized by increased protein loss through ectatic lymphatic vessels of the small intestinal mucosa. Described as hereditary disease. Secondary disease can develop with tumors of the intestine and mesentery, pericarditis, thrombosis of the superior vena cava, chronic inflammation of the intestine. It is characterized by progressive exhaustion, subcutaneous edema, and the possible development of ascites and hydrothorax. Blood tests are characterized by hypoproteinemia (the albumin content is especially sharply reduced), lymphopenia, and microcytic anemia.

Diseases occurring with malabsorption syndrome. Diseases that occur with impaired absorption of nutrients. This syndrome is characteristic of diseases caused by one or another defect of the immune system of an autoimmune nature: eosinophilic gastroenteritis, lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, granulomatous enteritis, etc. Malabsorption can also be observed in other intestinal diseases; diseases, as a rule, are chronic, characterized by progressive depletion even with normal feed intake. When examining stool, undigested muscle fibers, drops of fat, and starch are found. The blood content of protein, cholesterol, and lipids is reduced.

Crohn's disease . Chronic nonspecific granulomatous inflammation of the digestive tract of unknown etiology with predominant defeat terminal ileum. It is characterized by stenosis of the affected areas of the intestine, the formation of fistulas and extraintestinal manifestations - arthritis, skin lesions and is manifested by severe abdominal pain, diarrhea with blood, and is often accompanied by the development of pyoderma or erythema nodosum.

DISEASES OF THE LARGE INTESTINE

Irritable bowel syndrome. Chronic functional disorder large intestine, characterized by abdominal pain, tenesmus, flatulence, sudden attacks of diarrhea. Towards development of this syndrome may cause previous intestinal infections, food allergens, hormonal disorders, exposure to stress factors, etc. Laboratory tests do not reveal any characteristic changes in stool or blood parameters. A biopsy taken from the colon does not reveal signs of inflammation.

Chronic colitis. It can develop as a continuation of an acute disease, or as an independent disease. The disease is based on the following mechanisms: impaired intestinal permeability; motility disorders, increased mucus secretion, changes in the composition of microflora. Histiocytic ulcerative colitis may develop as an autoimmune disease. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a stool examination for the presence of helminths, proctoscopy and a biopsy of the colon mucosa.

Idiopathic colitis. It is one of the most common causes of chronic diarrhea in dogs. The general condition of the animal is good, but sudden attacks of profuse watery diarrhea with blood appear. Animals often assume a defecation position; feces are not always excreted in small portions.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TREATING DIARRHEA

Treatment for diarrhea of ​​various origins should be comprehensive. On the first day, to unload the gastrointestinal tract, a fasting diet lasting 8-12 hours is prescribed.

If the animal is not vomiting, then the loss of fluid can be compensated for by oral administration of glucose-saline solutions (rehydron, enterodesis and others). A good effect is achieved by drinking decoctions of medicinal plants that have anti-inflammatory and astringent effects (chamomile, yarrow, burnet, serpentine, St. John's wort). With severe vomiting, the loss of fluid and electrolytes should be corrected by drip infusion. Potassium ions must be added to the solutions to prevent cardiogenic shock.

Antibacterial therapy is prescribed to restore intestinal eubiosis. For acute diarrhea bacterial etiology antimicrobial agents from the group of quinolones, fluoroquinolones, sulfa drugs and derivatives of nitrofuran. Antibiotics for diarrhea are best used parenterally, since with bacterial enteritis, bacteria can penetrate the intestinal wall and oral administration is not always effective. The drugs of choice for this pathology are chloramphenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline, Spectam, enrofloxacin, forticline (local reaction is possible). At oral administration preference is given to drugs that do not disturb the balance of the microbial flora. This is “Intetrix”, which is effective against most gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic intestinal bacteria and fungi of the genus Candida. Prescribe 2 capsules per day, course of treatment is 10 days. And "Ersefuril" - active substance- nifuroxazide, prescribed 1 capsule 3 times a day. The course of treatment is no more than 7 days. Or “Enterosediv”, which contains streptomycin, bacitracin, pectin, kaolin, sodium citrate. Prescribe 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, the course of treatment is 7 days.

In most animals, the effect occurs within 2-3 days, but treatment must be continued for at least 5-7 days.

As an alternative therapy, it can be used bacterial preparations bactisubtil. linexa, bififorma, enterol. The use of probiotics - biosporin, lactobacterin, bifidumbacterin, bificol, acinol and others - is effective.

Among the symptomatic remedies, adsorbents and enveloping drugs are used:
- “Smecta” - has pronounced adsorbing properties and a protective effect on the intestinal mucosa. It acts as a stabilizer of the mucous barrier and, having enveloping properties, protects the mucous membrane from toxins and microorganisms. Prescribed 1.5-3 g in the form of a mash 15-20 minutes before meals;
- “Neointestopan” is a natural colloidal aluminum-magnesium silicate. It has a high adsorption capacity and is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Can be used for acute diarrhea of ​​various origins. Duration of treatment - 2 days. The drug interferes with the absorption of simultaneously prescribed antibiotics and antispasmodics, therefore, the interval between taking medications should be at least 3-4 hours:
- “Tannacomp” is a combined drug that has an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. Prescribe 1-2 tablets 4 times a day. The course of treatment ends with the cessation of diarrhea;
- Cholestyramine - used in the treatment of diarrhea caused by bile acids. Prescribe 0.5 teaspoon 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days.

To regulate motility, you can use imodium (loperamide), which reduces intestinal tone and motility and has an antisecretory effect. When normal stool Treatment with this drug is discontinued. To reduce propulsive function and the urge to defecate, synthetic opiates (dalargin, reasek), as well as anticholinergic drugs (buscopan, metacin, platifilin) ​​can be used.

In order to improve intestinal digestion, it is recommended to use drugs containing pancreatic enzymes, hydrochloric acid with pepsin, and bile. Enzyme preparations (Creon, Pancreatin, Festal, Degistal, Mezim-For-Te and others) are prescribed with meals.

The success of treatment largely depends on well-chosen diet therapy. After a starvation diet, the animal can be given a diet with a specially selected protein composition. This diet does not contain mono- and disaccharides, lactose and gluten, which can enhance fermentation processes and intestinal motility. This diet goes well with low-fat diet food, which is characterized by high digestibility of all components. Dietary ration must be prescribed for 7-14 days, then the animal can be gradually transferred to a normal diet.

Diseases affecting the stomach and intestines are common among dogs. There can be many reasons: bacteria and viruses, foreign bodies and poisons, tumors and allergic reactions. Be that as it may, stomach diseases in dogs cause enormous damage every year. Therefore, breeders of these animals need to know at least about the main pathologies that threaten the lives of their pets. Let us immediately note that it is not possible to describe diseases of the stomach alone, since these pathologies almost always also affect the small intestine ().

A potentially fatal pathology that is especially dangerous for puppies and young animals. The virus is quite resistant to negative environmental factors and can remain virulent for several months. Rottweilers, pit bulls, Doberman pinschers and German shepherds are at increased risk. Mortality rates range from 16 to 48%. The virus is transmitted through direct contact, but infection from care items and food contaminated with the pathogen occurs very often. The virus can live in feces for at least three weeks. Dogs that have recovered from the disease are almost always carriers.

What is the danger of this disease? The thing is that parvovirus lives inside epithelial cells lining the inside of the stomach and small intestine. When he begins to destroy them en masse, it begins bloody diarrhea, intoxication increases, dogs die from dehydration, exhaustion and toxic substances, which the life-worn liver can no longer cope with. Long time the virus may not manifest itself at all, becoming more active at the time of severe stress (for example, a trip to an exhibition). In this case, the number of infected animals goes into the dozens. It is important to remember that even a completely healthy-looking dog poses a considerable danger, since the virus has already begun to be released from its body.

Read also: What you need to know about radiculitis in dogs: from causes to nuances of keeping a pet

Puppies are showing signs of acute gastroenteritis appears already at the age of 6-20 weeks. This is the most dangerous time for them: the level of antibodies obtained from mother's milk is already greatly reduced, and their own immune system has not yet started working. Vaccination in this case is useless. That is why more than 85% of cases of the disease occur in dogs under the age of one year. Animals can even suddenly fall into a coma. More common cases include loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, etc. The feces may contain mucus and blood. If treatment is started in a timely manner, recovery occurs within a few days. Otherwise, there is a high probability of death.

Alas, there is no specific therapy at all. In most cases, everything ends quite well when dogs are given electrolyte solutions intravenously. They relieve dehydration and significantly alleviate the signs of general intoxication. If the animal’s condition is more or less stable, the same solutions (saline) can be given to them. If the dog survives the first two to three days, it will usually survive. They try to use antibiotic therapy only in cases where the likelihood of developing a secondary bacterial infection. The fact is that antibiotics completely destroy the already “tattered” beneficial microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, which in this case has a bad effect on the general condition of the animal.

Inflammation of the stomach (gastritis)

Or inflammation of the stomach in dogs often develops due to the ingestion of some foreign bodies and/or toxic substances. Dogs are often prone to eating all sorts of crap on walks, so there is nothing surprising in this. is a common symptom of gastritis. In many cases, the vomit may contain fragments of what the animal has eaten. Bile, foam, digested blood, which looks like coffee grounds, are also often noticed by observant owners. These same symptoms can also occur with gastric ulcers in dogs.

Read also: Laryngitis in dogs - symptoms, treatment and prevention

What other signs of pathology are there? Remember how your dog “asks” something from you: pressing his chest to the floor, sticking his butt up and wagging his tail? If you notice your pet in this position, but the animal does not show any signs of joy, then it is likely that he simply has a stomach ache. Symptoms often also include severe pain. Vomiting and stomach pain are almost always accompanied by polydipsia (that is, increased thirst). Sometimes diarrhea occurs. The latter is especially dangerous, as over time it leads to disruption of water-electrolyte metabolism and dehydration.

Various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinary clinic. Depending on which parts of the gastrointestinal tract are involved in pathological process, the owner may observe various symptoms. In any case, if you notice a decrease in appetite, weight loss, change in stool consistency, or vomiting in your pet, show it to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Diseases of the pharynx

The respiratory and digestive tracts intersect in the pharynx, so diseases of the pharynx can lead to swallowing and breathing problems.

On initial stages Diseases of the pharynx The dog's appetite is usually preserved, but the animal is unable or unwilling to swallow due to pain or obstruction. Animals begin to chew food for a long time, there is profuse salivation and frequent swallowing. The same symptoms are observed when drinking water.

Pharyngitis- inflammation of the pharynx. Can be acute or chronic. Cause: spread of infection from the nasal passages, esophagus, oral cavity. Brachiocephalic breeds, which often have an elongated soft palate, are especially predisposed.

Tonsillitis- inflammation palatine tonsils. Tonsils are the first protective barrier against infections entering the body. When they become inflamed and significantly increase in size, symptoms similar to those that occur when foreign objects enter the pharynx may occur (dogs choke, become nervous, and swallow noisily).

Poor quality food, a sharp change in the volume of feed, spoiled, contaminated, too fatty food - all this can cause digestive disorders.

Intestinal obstruction. It can be complete or partial, mechanical (for example, a foreign body) or functional (toxic infection provokes impaired peristalsis, enterospasm).

Mechanical obstruction: blockage by foreign bodies, tumor of the intestinal wall, other tumors that can compress the intestine, intussusception (strangulation of part of the intestine), intestinal torsion.

Pancreatic diseases