Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea can be the result of a number of different causes which range from a
simple passing irritation to serious illness. We need to gather a range of information to decide
whether diagnostic testing and hospitalisation is indicated or symptomatic treatment
(see below) alone is appropriate.

If after a history and physical examination has been done, we decide on symptomatic therapy,
the following guidelines should be followed. The majority of animals with simple gastroenteritis
should respond to this alone.

STEP 1. STARVE

This means NO food for 24-48 hours (depending on the animal).

Water should be freely available (not milk). If water is vomited, try smaller amounts

or even giving ice blocks to lick. 

STEP 2. REINTRODUCE BLAND FOOD

The vomiting and/or diarrhoea should have stopped after starving. Start introducing
small amounts of bland food such as:

a)   a prescription intestinal diet (eg i/d or selected protein).

b)  home prepared bland food (eg skinless chicken, low fat cottage cheese and boiled rice, pasta or potato).

This should be offered in small servings 4-6 times per day for 3-4 days.

STEP 3. RETURN TO NORMAL DIET

This assumes the normal diet is complete and balanced.

Add in increasing amounts of the usual diet over another 3-4 days until this is the only food fed.
The whole process should take 7-10 days.

Special instructions and medications.

Things to watch for

.

Please contact us if :

i)Vomiting and/or diarrhoea does not stop.

ii)Any traces of blood are seen in the diarrhoea or vomit.

iii)The animal seems depressed, painful or lethargic.