GASTROENTERITIS

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Causative Agent(s)

Gastroenteritis is a general term used to describe a syndrome (acute and chronic) characterized by vomiting and/or diarrhoea caused by gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation.

It can be caused by bacteria, helminths, protozoa, algae, toxins, viruses, dietary indiscretion, tumour, drug reactions or foreign bodies

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, melena, weight loss, weakness, fever, pain on abdominal palpation.

Gastroenteritis based on infectious agents has a very high prevalence among companion animals. It constitutes one of the major factors contributing to the cross transmission of pathogenic agent from animals to man, through shedding of pathogenic organisms.

Diagnostic Considerations

The diagnostic considerations include history, physical examination, response to symptomatic therapy, laboratory analysis, abdominal radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and endoscopy.

Samples to be taken are blood sample for (Haematology, serum biochemistry). Urine for Urinalysis

Faecal sample (Faecal floatation, direct faecal smear, MCS) Vomitus (for specific toxins)

Management and Treatment

Antimicrobial recommendation (Pending MCS result):

First line antibiotics:

Metronidazole, (10-44mg/kg PO q12h)

Amoxicillin clavulanate (10-30mg/kg PO, IV q12hr), Second line antibiotics:

*Ciprofloxacin (10-20mg/kg IV q12hr in cats, 20-5mg/kg PO, IV q12hr in dogs)

*Levofloxacin :(20mg/kg PO, IV q24hr) Azithromycin (5-10mg/kg/daily/PO). Erythromycin (10-15mg/kg /P0 Tid daily)

Caution: Not to be used in puppies and young animals less than 12 months. Duration of antibiotic usage: 1-2 weeks depending on the severity of condition. Adjunct/supportive therapy

Ozonated intravenous fluid Probiotics, prebiotics.

Nutritional management include diet considerations, including reducing dietary fibre in such a patient