Last week, we explained that vomiting was a symptom which reflected a more deep-seated ailment. Let us today discuss the types of vomiting. This can help the vet to zero in on the more fundamental problem causing the animal to vomit.
Faecal vomiting
If a dog vomits foul material that looks and smells like stool, he has an obstruction somewhere in his intestinal tract. A dog with this condition becomes markedly dehydrated due to losses of fluids and salts. This condition cannot be managed without professional aid.
Projectile
vomiting
This is a forceful type of vomiting in which the stomach content is ejected suddenly, sometimes for a distance of several feet. It is indicative of a complete blockage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Foreign bodies, hair balls, duodenal ulcers, tumours and strictures are possible causes.
Any condition which causes an increase in intra-cranial (within the skull) pressure also causes projectile vomiting. This includes brain tumours, encephalitis, and blood clots.
Vomiting
foreign objects
These include bone splinters, rubber balls, pieces of toys, sticks and stones. Occasionally, hair balls form a cast-like wad, too large to pass out of the stomach. This is called a bezoar. Other material may be incorporated into a bezoar.
Puppies with a heavy roundworm infestation occasionally vomit adult worms. These pups should be treated with a dewormer preferably by a veterinarian.
Emotional
vomiting
Dogs can vomit when upset, excited or suffering from a phobia (for example, squibs or during a thunderstorm). A phobic dog also may drool, whine, paw and tremble.
Treatment
Remove your dog from the cause of his anxiety if possible, and tranquilise him with a sedative – under the advice of a vet.
Motion sickness
Young dogs often become nauseated and vomit when riding a car. Most of them eventually become accustomed to it and outgrow the problem. This is a form of ‘sea-sickness.’ It is due to a disturbance in the balance centre in the brain.
Treatment
If you know from past experience that your dog is going to be sick, you may wish, under veterinary counsel, to give an anti-nausea tablet orally about an hour before leaving home.
If the trip is a long one, it may be better to use a sedative. Your vet will tell you which tranquilizer to use and the respective dosage.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
