Big Bay Animal Hospital
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on disorders of your pet’s stomach and intestines.
Overview
We are committed to helping each and every pet owner find ways to manage their pet’s stomach and intestinal problems. Gastrointestinal issues can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which makes diagnostic testing vitally important for your pet’s care. Once a diagnosis has been reached, our veterinarians will work with you to ensure your pet receives proper treatment in order to regain comfort in their life.
Why should I consider a gastroenterology work-up for my pet?
As pet owners, we don’t want to see any of our pets in discomfort. We know all too well how stomach problems can throw off our entire day. This is why it is crucially important to consider a gastroenterology work-up as a means of diagnosing and finding the right treatment plan for your pet. Commonly diagnosed conditions related to gastroenterology include:
Gastroenteritis
Pancreatitis
Colitis
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Small intestinal malabsorption
When should I consider a gastroenterology work-up for my pet?
As with humans, digestive issues in animals can surface in a number of unpleasant ways. Symptoms commonly related to gastrointestinal diseases and disorders can include:
Flatulence
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Excessive belching
Enlarged abdomen
Bloody stool
It is important to keep a close eye on your pet if they are exhibiting any of the above symptoms. If your pet continues having vomiting or diarrhea issues, it is important that you schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians immediately. Delaying your pet’s treatment will only cause their condition to worsen if they are dealing with a more advanced gastrointestinal disease.
How do you treat gastrointestinal issues?
Many gastrointestinal issues will clear up on their own after a few days, however it is important to continuously monitor your pet’s symptoms for changes. If their symptoms continue, or get worse, schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians as soon as possible. Through careful diagnostic testing, our skilled veterinarians will make the proper diagnosis for your pet’s condition and tailor a treatment plan that will work best for both you and your pet. Most gastrointestinal issues can be treated simply by changing your pet’s diet to a more digestible food. In more advanced cases, long-term nutritional management or even surgery may be required. Talk to your veterinarian in order to determine what is best for your pet.