Gastrointestinal Issues: Vomiting, Diarrhea, IBD & Food Allergies

Acute GI Upset

Common Causes

• Dietary indiscretion ("garbage gut")
• Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic)
• Toxins
• Foreign bodies

Emergency Signs

• Repeated vomiting (can't keep water down)
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Severe lethargy/collapse
• Distended, painful abdomen
• Suspected foreign body

Diagnostic Costs

• Exam + fecal: $80-160
• Bloodwork: $80-200
• X-rays: $150-300
• Ultrasound: $300-600

Treatment Costs

• Mild cases: $240-590
• Hospitalization: $500-2,000+
• Surgery (foreign body): $2,000-5,000

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Chronic Conditions

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Symptoms: Chronic vomiting/diarrhea, weight loss Diagnosis: Rule out other causes, biopsy ($1,500-6,000) Treatment:

• Prescription diet: $600-1,200/year
• Steroids/medications: $300-1,500/year Annual cost: $1,100-3,200 ongoing

Food Allergies

Common allergens: Beef, dairy, chicken, wheat Diagnosis: 8-12 week elimination trial Treatment: Lifelong avoidance, specialty diet ($600-1,200/year)

Intestinal Parasites

• Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms: $15-50 treatment
• Tapeworms: $15-30 (must treat fleas too)
• Giardia: $40-100
• Coccidia: $30-60

Prevention: Year-round heartworm/intestinal parasite preventatives

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

Classic signs: Weight loss, ravenous appetite, greasy stools Diagnosis: TLI blood test ($80-150) Treatment: Enzyme replacement ($600-1,200/year) + supplements Annual cost: $1,320-2,750

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Dietary Management

Prescription diets: Hill's i/d, Royal Canin GI, Purina EN

Bland diet: Boiled chicken + white rice (short-term only)

Feeding strategy: Small, frequent meals (4-6/day)

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Related: pancreatitis, diabetes

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