My Pet Has Diarrhea

The first step in diagnosing diarrhea in dogs involves a detailed physical examination. Our veterinarian will ask about the dog’s medical history, diet, recent activities, and any other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or weight loss. A physical exam helps to assess the dog’s overall health, checking for signs of dehydration, abdominal pain, or other abnormalities.

One of the most common and essential diagnostic tests for diarrhea is the fecal examination. This test helps identify parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens that may be causing diarrhea.

• Fecal Flotation: This test detects the presence of internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms by mixing a fecal sample with a solution that causes parasite eggs to float.
• Fecal Smear: A direct smear of the feces may reveal bacterial overgrowth, protozoa, or inflammatory cells.
• Fecal Culture: This test is used to identify specific types of bacteria that may be causing the diarrhea, such as Salmonella or Campylobacter.

Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry panel, are often performed to evaluate the dog’s overall health. These tests can provide clues about systemic infections, inflammation, dehydration, anemia, or liver and kidney function. In cases of chronic or severe diarrhea, blood tests are essential to assess how the body is responding to the illness and whether any organ systems are being affected.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test examines the white blood cell count (to assess for infection or inflammation), red blood cell count (to detect anemia), and platelet count (to check clotting ability).
• Blood Chemistry Panel: It measures the levels of various enzymes, electrolytes, and proteins to evaluate the function of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

Abdominal X-rays are often used to look for abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract, such as blockages, tumors, or foreign objects. This imaging technique can also reveal if the intestines are distended with gas, indicating a possible obstruction. While X-rays do not always provide detailed information about the soft tissues, they can rule out serious causes of diarrhea that require immediate intervention.

Abdominal ultrasound is a more advanced imaging technique that provides a detailed view of the internal organs. Ultrasound can help detect changes in the intestines, pancreas, liver, or other abdominal organs that may be contributing to the diarrhea. It’s particularly useful for identifying masses, thickening of the intestinal walls, or other abnormalities that might not be visible on an X-ray.

In some cases, an endoscopy may be required to directly visualize the inside of the dog’s digestive tract. During this procedure, a small, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the dog’s stomach and intestines, allowing the veterinarian to look for signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities. Biopsies (small tissue samples) can also be taken during an endoscopy for further analysis. This test is especially useful for diagnosing chronic diarrhea or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

If a more invasive approach is needed, surgical biopsies of the intestines or other organs may be performed. Biopsy samples are sent to a lab for histopathology, where they are examined for inflammation, cancer, or other cellular abnormalities. This procedure is typically reserved for cases where other diagnostic tools have failed to provide a conclusive diagnosis, or when there is suspicion of serious diseases like intestinal cancer.