Diarrhea

Diarrhea is rarely life threatening, but protein and water losses can rapidly become significant, especially in small patients. 

Therapy usually involves temporary diet changes;  anti-diarrhea medications like Kaopectate or Pepto-bismol can be useful (in dogs only) and probiotics (including active culture yougurt) can speed recovery of the gut and the immune system. 

Sometimes, medication to slow the gut is important, especially when patient is straining often and with minimal production.  Diarrhea that contains frank blood (bright red) or digested blood (black and tarry) is more significant and implies lower or upper GI hemorrhage respectively. 

Diarrhea can be related to simple dietary indiscretions, changes in food, food allergies, chronic or acute intestinal inflammation, intestinal parasites, endocrine diseases and any disease of the abdomen that secondarily affects the intestines.

Pet Poisonings: Algae | Antifreeze | Chocolate | Easter Lily, Other Lily plants, and Cats | Garbage Intoxication | Grapes and Raisins | Household and Prescription Medications | Lawn and Garden Chemicals | Mushrooms | Poinsettias | Potpourri Oils | Rodent Poisons | Varmint Poisons, Other | Xylitol toxicity