When should dog with diarrhea go to the vet?

QUESTION: My two-year-old Labrador tends to suffer from diarrhea that usually lasts few days. I am having hard time deciding when I should take my dog to be seen by my vet and when I should try to treat him by myself. What is the guideline for treating diarrhea? — Michael, West Kelowna

ANSWER: Diarrhea is probably one of the most common symptom of many illnesses in dogs, most commonly it is related to a temporary or chronic disease in the stomach, intestine, pancreas or the liver.

Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of reasons ranging from a simple garbage intoxication, parasites infestation, viral or bacterial infections, to severe and chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases or even cancer.

I believe your decision on whether to rush to the vet’s office should be based on your dog’s general condition, judged by few factors: Is your dog active and alert or depressed and lethargic. Does your dog still have an appetite? Does it lose weight? Does it have any other symptoms, such as vomiting? Does it have blood in the stool? Does the diarrhea last more than 2-3 days without improvement? Do the diarrhea episodes recur frequently?

If the answer to any of these questions is positive, you’d better consult your veterinarian.

If your dog has diarrhea as a sole symptom and generally feels good, you can try to treat him by a conservative treatment at home.

The first step would be to stop any feeding for 24 hours. Make sure to supply ample amount of water to prevent dehydration. After 24 hours, try to feed small amounts of easily digestible food such as white rice with chicken flash (without the bones, skin and any spices). You can also buy a special commercial diet carried at vet offices, that is designed to treat diarrhea.

When the stool forms up to normal consistency you should switch back to the dog’s regular food gradually over three or four days.

I do not recommend using human, over-the-counter medication in pets without directions of a vet.

In simple cases of diarrhea, you should see improvement within a couple of days. If your dog’s condition does not improve, or you notice other symptoms or abnormal behaviour, take your dog to your vet.

QUESTION: My cat, Paws, is one of your regular patients. He is now being treated by steroids twice a week for the chronic ulcer he has on his lips. I am trying to be diligent and consistent with giving him the medication, but unfortunately I do forget occasionally and it messes up the treatment course. I was wondering if there is any medication I could give him that will last longer so I will not have to remember to give it to him twice a week. Nicole, West Kelowna

ANSWER: Your cat is treated for a condition called feline eosinophilic granuloma. This condition is an inflammatory disease, that is often secondary to allergies. One of the most common symptoms is painful ulcers on the lips.

If the primary cause for the disease can not be found or controlled, it is treated by steroids. The steroids role is to suppress the immune system that is causing these lesions.

Unfortunately steroids have many side-effects, hence it is recommended to give them in the minimal dose possible. The protocol is to initially treat with a high dose till the symptoms disappear (remission) and then taper down the dose to the minimal dose without recurrence of the lesions.

After numerous trials with Paws, we’ve reached a successful course of treatment of only two doses a week.

There is an injection of long term steroid available. However, with this injection. he will be under the influence for an entire month. If he shows side-effects, we can not discontinue or reverse the effect of the medication.

Despite the inconvenience, I believe it is safer for him to stay on the minimal dose as possible, which is medicating him twice a week. Dr. Noa Oz is a veterinarian at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital.