Dear VetBabble: What Should I Do if My Dog Keeps Vomiting and Experiencing Diarrhea After Vet Treatment?
Last Saturday, my dog went to the vet for multiple consecutive days of vomiting and diarrhea. They gave her special food, an antibiotic, probiotic, and a cerenia shot. She was completely normal until Wednesday night (technically Thursday) at 1 am when she vomited twice. The next morning she vomited three more times between 8 am and 12 pm. I took her back to the vet. They did an x-ray and found nothing. They did another cerenia injection, plus gave me a daily nausea medicine for her. She just vomited again. Poor Charlotte! If they haven’t done a bloodwork panel yet, that would be my next step. I would also ask if they think it’s appropriate to include a baseline cortisol level to screen for Addison’s disease. If that doesn’t yield an answer for you, my next step would be an abdominal ultrasound. I hope this helps and you get some answers soon!
Possible Causes and When to Worry
It can be concerning to see your furry friend experiencing vomiting and diarrhea. There are several potential causes for these symptoms, ranging from mild and manageable to more serious conditions. It’s essential to consider the common causes of these symptoms in order to understand when to worry and seek veterinary attention (Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?). Some possible reasons for vomiting and diarrhea in dogs include dietary indiscretion, gastrointestinal infections, food intolerance or allergies, and more severe conditions such as pancreatitis (Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms and How to Treat).
In general, a single episode of vomiting or diarrhea might not be a cause for concern. However, if your dog is experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s essential to consult your vet to determine the underlying issue. Seek immediate veterinary attention if you observe any alarming signs such as bloody diarrhea, lethargy, or if your pet appears to be in pain (Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry).
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
The diagnostic process involves a thorough physical examination of your pet, followed by different diagnostic tests to understand the root cause (Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry). In your case, your vet has already conducted an x-ray, which ruled out any visible abnormalities in your dog’s gastrointestinal system. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to proceed with further testing such as blood work panels to assess your dog’s overall health and rule out underlying medical conditions, including Addison’s disease, as you mentioned. An abdominal ultrasound could also be helpful in identifying issues that may not have been evident during the x-ray examination.
It’s vital for pet owners to trust the diagnostic process and make informed decisions based on the advice of their veterinarians. Your vet will consider your dog’s history, symptoms, and test results to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet.
Managing Your Dog’s Symptoms and Pursuing Additional Treatment
Throughout the treatment process, ensure that you closely monitor your dog’s condition and keep a record of any changes in their symptoms. Provide your veterinarian with this information to support them in determining the right treatment approach. Be patient and follow the prescribed treatment, even if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve immediately.
If the symptoms persist or worsen, discuss with your veterinarian any potential changes to the treatment plan or consideration of additional testing. This may include trying different medications, altering your dog’s diet, or further diagnostic procedures such as an endoscopy or exploratory surgery.
Remember that your veterinarian is there to help and support you and your pet. By working closely with your vet, you can ensure the best care and outcome for your beloved companion. Keep up the good communication with your veterinarian and follow their advice to help Charlotte recover and return to her healthy, happy self.
