DIGESTIVE

DIARRHEA, ACUTE

Species affected: Cats, Dogs
Background: In dogs and cats, this condition is often due to "garbageitis" (dietary indiscretion). It can also occur as an acute manifestation of parasitic diseases: whipworms (especially in adults), Coccidia, roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, Salmonella, E. coli, etc. Many cases are of a self-limiting nature. Recurrent episodes may indicate a more serious problem such as inflammatory bowel disease or lymphoma.
Symptoms: Looseness of stool and/or an increase in the frequency of elimination.
Diagnostics: Stool, blood, and radiology, if foreign body suspected.
Special Notes: Some cases can rapidly cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or even rectal prolapse; intervention and supportive care should be administered in cases that do not resolve quickly on their own.
Principles for Supplementation: Antibacterial (only if bacterial are causal); support the enterocytes, introduce beneficial gut bacteria, help repair the intestinal wall.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—ACUTE DIARRHEA

Formulas:	Dosage:	Mechanism/Purpose:
Acetylator8	1 capsule per 5 lb daily	Combination of n-Acetyl Glucosamine and probiotics.
Artestatin23	Cats: ¼-½ tablet, bid or tid Dogs: ½-2 tablets, bid or tid	For Giardia, and for protozoal and bacterial diarrhea.
Berbercap12	Cats: ¼ capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Contains berberine to treat bacterial infections.
Curing Pills25	Cats: 2 pills bid or tid Dogs: 2-4 pills bid or tid	Improves digestion, regulates spleen and stomach, disperses wind-cold, resolves dampness.
Fast Balance GI8	1 cc per 2 lb bid	Helps support proper GI tract structure and function during times of digestive upset and stress associated with garbage gut, food sensitivities, age and traveling.
SF722VET12	Cats: 2 gelcaps sid Dogs: 1 gelcap/25 lb tid	Anti-yeast.
SF734VET12	Cats: ½ capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Contains bismuth; helps slow diarrhea; not for long-term use.
Gastriplex12	Cats: ½-1 capsule sid Dogs: 1 capsule/15 lb sid	Supports enterocytes; improves local immune function.
Intesti-Care™27	1 capsule per 20 lb bid or 1 scoop per 20 lb bid	Supports proper digestion and normal bowel health.
Bacillus CoagulansVET12	Cats: ¼ capsule, sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lb sid	Beneficial gut bacteria.
Potassium Citrate12	1 or more capsules per day, determined by monitoring blood levels.	Do not supplement without monitoring blood levels. Can cause GI distress. Animals with renal failure can often be hyperkalemic. Acute diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalance including low potassium.
Seacure for Pets29	Cats: 1 scoop or tablet sid Dogs: 1 scoop or tablet/10 lb sid	Bioactive peptides support enterocytes and intestinal integrity.