Diarrhoea

[The Duncan 802]

Hi folks,

 

lately, my remaining Ridgeback has had diarrhoea for a period of a week or so and then he goes back to having solid stools.

Occasionally thru his life he's had the odd bout of 'the squirts' but it seems to be getting more frequent. I've tried different foods, but it doesnt seem to make any difference.

Any ideas?

 

Cheers

 

Duncan

[paulus 26]

joking aside could be hes intollerent to certain food stuffs

[stoaty 171]

Any bad cases of the squitters with my dogs I give them a couple of mills of kaolin and morphine in a worming syringe really does the job you can also get the kiddy version its cheap enough at the chemist

Stoaty

[paulus 26]

Any bad cases of the squitters with my dogs I give them a couple of mills of kaolin and morphine in a worming syringe really does the job you can also get the kiddy version its cheap enough at the chemist

Stoaty

chemists dont sell kaolin and morphine anymore mate

[Simoman 110]

The dog could have colitis, or possiblly a wheat intolerance..........

[The Duncan 802]

Thanks chaps. I'll see what remedies are available and probably have him just on meat and bones for a bit and see how he does.

[beast 1,884]

If he passes a couple of loose stools in a row, starve him for 24 hours but offer electorlytes to drink (Lectade is a good one). if he is still loose after this get a stool sample to the vet for tests as he could be harbouring some nasty Protozoal infection such as Giardia

[Tayto 52]

.

Edited April 1, 2012 by Tayto

[sandymere 8,263]

General stuff on the subject

 

Colitis means inflammation of the colon, the colons role is the absorption of water and salt, the production of various hormones and the fermentation of dietary fibre which produces short chain fatty acids (SCFA). It contains a large population of bacteria to carry out the fermentation process and protect against harmful bacteria. After this process the muscular colon moves the residual waste to the rectum for storage prior to emptying. Colitis is not uncommon in dogs and the reasons are not entirely known but it is thought to be generally an immune mediated reaction to such things as bacteria or parasites with dietary factors often being involved. If there is a found causative factor then treatment will be based around the diagnosis but in many cases no definitive cause can be found.

Some dog have functional diarrhoea often associated with stressors without physical changes to the gastric tract in line with IBS in humans. Canine IBS is most commonly found in working dogs but any highly strung animal can be at risk and removing the stress can often bring a cessation of symptoms but as this is only part of the problem a multi action treatment is often needed. Drugs are often required to bring about remission and the vet is where one needs to go as the first point of contact, as the underlying cause cannot always be found treatment is aimed a managing symptoms rather than cure and diet is also thought to play a major part. One method is the use of novel protein diets along with fermentable fibre and polyunsaturated fatty acids to give long term management.

Elimination diets, prepared at home, provide a new protein with an appropriate carbohydrate, usually rice fed exclusively for at least 4 weeks. Once symptoms settle other foods can be added and response noted to identify any hypersensitivity. No extras in the form of supplements should be used during this period. Over the counter hypoallergenic diets follow the novel protein route with a variety of sources available such as rabbit, fish, duck etc and come with the option of added fibre. A second novel protein can be substituted for the first after a few weeks and maintained in the longer term.

There is evidence to suggest that appropriate fibre has a role to play and that the fermentability of fibre is important in aiding nutrient absorption, colonic health and formation of the SCFA. Moderately fermentable fibre is suggested as best in producing adequate SCFA to maintain health and reduce incidence of colorectal tumours, commercial feeds use beet pulp to fulfil this role. In home prepared meals whole grain rice or the use of oats may be appropriate once symptoms are in remission. Another area with some evidence is the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids with studies showing a reduction in symptoms of some animals when fish oils is added to the diet.

Dietary intervention is not a cure but it may help but please bare in mind it is not an easy option. One of the biggest problems faced by vets in treating this type of illness is poor owner compliance in that treats, table scraps, supplements etc being introduced whilst still in the elimination phase which makes the exercise fail so if an owner is considering a dietary approach to management then I would recommend a discussion with the vet, proper plan and very very strict adherence to that plan.

[Carraghs Gem 1,675]

try activated charcoal tablets bud.

[skycat 6,173]

Here's an interesting link: http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=betterproducts

[bigmark40 32]

cut out any milk and raw meat until it passes.

[darren_nash 85]

how about scrambled eggs ,without adding milk..?