Digestive & Internal Medicine
Repeated vomiting and diarrhea have a cause — it's not just a 'sensitive stomach'.
Signs to watch for
- Repeated vomiting or retching
- Diarrhea lasting 3+ days or bloody stool
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Gurgling belly and more time spent curled up
- Increasingly eating grass or licking the floor
* In young animals, repeated vomiting and diarrhea lead to dehydration quickly — please come in without delay.
What causes it?
Gastroenteritis & dietary causes
Spoiled food, abrupt diet changes, and swallowed objects are common causes. The gut is like a finely balanced scale — it can react strongly to small changes.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that makes digestive enzymes — as if the digestive juices try to digest the body itself. Suspect it with vomiting and belly pain after fatty food.
Chronic enteropathy (IBD and others)
The gut lining's immune system stays over-reactive, keeping inflammation going. If symptoms wax and wane repeatedly, further testing is warranted.
How we diagnose & treat
- 1
Step 1. History & physical exam
Photos of vomit or stool help. We palpate the abdomen to locate discomfort.
- 2
Step 2. Fecal & blood tests
Infection and inflammation markers, plus pancreatic indicators (cPL/fPL).
- 3
Step 3. Imaging
X-ray and ultrasound to assess foreign objects, gut motility, and intestinal wall thickness.
- 4
Step 4. Treatment & diet
Fluids and medication together with an easily digestible prescribed diet.
- 5
Step 5. Recurrence management
For chronic cases, elimination diet trials and regular follow-up narrow down the cause.
Key conditions
- Acute gastroenteritis
- Pancreatitis
- Foreign body ingestion
- Chronic enteropathy (IBD)
- Megacolon (cats)
- Liver & biliary disease
FAQ
If your pet has vomited once or twice but still has good energy, you may fast your pet for half a day and observe. But come in right away for repeated vomiting, blood in vomit, or lethargy.
Contact Us
Ask us about these symptoms
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