vomiting /diarrhea/anorexia

Question 1

vomiting

Answer 1

The forceful ejection of the stomach contents (and often the contents of the proximal small intestine) through the mouth

Question 2

diarrhea

Answer 2

Change in the frequency (increase), consistency (increased water), or volume (increase) of bowel movements and feces

Question 3

annorexia

Answer 3

Decrease or complete loss of appetite

Question 4

consequences for severe v/d

Answer 4

dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, acid base imbalance, poss aspiration into lungs

Question 5

management and treatment for v/d

Answer 5

removing initiating cause, controlling the vomiting, correcting deficits, assess dehydration if 5% or more animal is usally placed on iv fluids, control water, withold food for 24-48hrs

Question 6

how to reintroduce water/food to a post vomiting patient

Answer 6

start with small icecubes to lick, 1-2tbsp every hour, gastroenteric diet, slowly and gradually, very small amounts of food to gradually reach animals DER, tablespoon every 2-3hrs, once animal is able to eat gastro enteric diet add regular food 1/4 regular 3/4 gastro 2-3 days, more and more regular diet

Question 7

consequences of prolonged anorexia

Answer 7

• Loss of body weight and body condition
• Decreased healing ability
• Decreased immune response
• Decreased gut absorption of nutrients necessary for sustaining life
• Catabolism of body tissues for energy (since food would not be available to supply energy)
• Hepatic lipidosis (critical in cats; refer to the section

Question 8

when describing vomit it is important to note:

Answer 8

colour, consitency, volume, unusual material

Question 9

Vomiting and/or diarrhea can lead to loss of ______________; decreased ____________ levels lead to anorexia.

Answer 9

K , potassium

Question 10

encourage appetite for cats:

Answer 10

Ensure nares are not blocked (cats’ appetites are very dependent on their sense of smell).
-Place food on their paws so they will lick it when they clean themselves.
-Hand feed them, spend time with them, pet them, ensure a quiet environment with few stressors, and encourage owner involvement.
-Warm up food (volatiles in food are released with heating and will enhance odour).
-Mix food with warm water.
-Try canned food if on kibble, or vice versa.
-Try a food with different shapes (cats can be particular about the shape of their kibble).
Try a different brand of food.
-Try a very “smelly” food such as sardines or tuna (short term).
- Try canned pumpkin.
- Ask the DVM about medication to stimulate appetite

Question 11

encourage appetite in dogs:

Answer 11

try good quality cat food added to meals.
- Warm up food to enhance odour and palatability.
- Mix warm water with it.
- Change to another brand.
- Try some canned food if on dry, or vice versa.
- Hand feed, and involve the owner if necessary.