Diarrhoea can be defined as loos or liquid stool and increased frequency of defecation. The animal passes liquid stool during bowel movement and is often associated with abnormal coloration of the stool. Diarrhoea can result in dehydration, loss of electrolyte and loss of condition.

Haemorrhagic diarrhoea is associated with bleeding from the intestine. This may be associated with melena (dark brown to black digested blood) or haematochesia (fresh blood).

Diarrhoea is a clinical manifestation of a problem and it must not be regarded as a disease condition. In many cases a non-specific supportive treatment will resolve the diarrhoea, as the cause was a transient cause. There are many causes of diarrhoea and occasionally a specific therapeutic approach is required along side the normal supportive care in order to resolve the clinical problem.

General supportive treatment

Food could be withheld for 24hrs from adult healthy animals. Puppies or kittens, Weak ill, and very old animals should not be starved. Bland diet like boiled chicken and rice could be introduced thereafter in small frequent meals. Royal canine sensitivity control or hills i/d diet would make the best choice for a bland diet. Water must be available at all times and animals should be encouraged to drink plenty. In most cases of transient cases the diarrhoea will pass and no clinical deterioration would be seen. Pro Kolin or Canikur pastes could be used to replenish the normal flora in the gut and to help form the faecal material. Electrolytes solution can be supplemented to prevent lose and keep the body in balance. Vitamins particularly B12 could help in improving the clinical symptoms.

If symptoms persist for more than 72 hours, if blood is present in the stool, if the animal is depressed or if vomiting is seen and is persistent, consult a veterinarian.