published by: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
 CARING FOR YOUR PET

Your pet has been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder. This information is provided by your veterinarian to help you understand the condition and give your pet the best home care. With proper nutrition and treatment, your pet can enjoy a better quality of life.

WHAT ARE GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS? Gastrointestinal disorders include any condition that impairs the digestion, absorption or movement of food through the stomach or intestines. Commonly diagnosed disorders include:

Colitis. Inflammation of the large intestine that causes frequent, and often painful, defecation and diarrhea which may contain mucus and blood.

Constipation. Commonly caused by dietary and environmental factors, constipation results in infrequent or difficult evacuation of the feces or stool. The feces are usually hard and dry which increases straining and reduces stool volume.

Diarrhea. Originating from either the small intestine or the large intestine, diarrhea is characterized by abnormally frequent, watery or soft stools.

Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas that results in a loss of appetite and frequent vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood.

Easy digestion and absorption are essential for your pet to be able to build and repair its tissues and to obtain vital energy.

SIGNS OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

  • Vomiting

  • Blood or mucus in the feces

  • Diarrhea

  • Painful defecation

  • Straining or inability to defecate

LESS SPECIFIC SIGNS

  • Weight loss

  • Depression

  • Abnormally large or small appetite

  • Pain and tenderness of the abdomen

IMPORTANT:  Dehydration is a serious consequence of severe diarrhea an vomiting.  Your veterinarian can show you how to check your pet for dehydration, including looking at the mouth and eyes for signs of dryness and checking the skin for lack of elasticity.  Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet is dehydrated.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Age - Colitis is more prevalent in pets under 5 years old, while constipation is more likely in older pets.

Breed - Certain dog breeds, such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Collies are more prone to particular gastrointestinal disorders.

Food - Digestive upsets can be caused by poor food quality, food intolerance, high-fat foods, sudden nutritional changes or overeating.

Other - Pets allowed to scavenge are more at risk for digestive upsets from eating contaminated or decomposing food.

HOME CARE

  1. Feed only the food recommended by your veterinarian.

  2. Don't give your pet any table scraps.

  3. Don't allow your pet to scavenge.

  4. Never use any over-the-counter medicines, such as laxatives or binding agents, which are generally unsuitable for pets (unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian).

  5. Speak to your veterinarian before changing your pet's food or medication.

AN INSIDE LOOK AT YOUR PET'S DIGESTIVE TRACT

Right Side View

 

Left Side View

 

FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS

Gastrointestinal disorders may require a food high in fiber that is non-irritating to the digestive tract or highly digestible. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian will recommend a food specifically formulated for your pet's individual needs.

The following Hill's® Prescription Diet® products are formulated as nutritional aids for pets with gastrointestinal disorders.

Prescription Diet® Canine i/d® and Feline i/d® Highly digestible protein, carbohydrates and fat decrease the workload on both the pancreas and the intestines. A unique mixed fiber source supports proper intestinal function.

Prescription Diet® Canine w/d® and Feline w/d® Increased fiber and reduced fat provide nutritional support for pets with colitis, constipation and hyperlipidemic pancreatitis.

Prescription Diet® Canine z/dtm and Feline z/dtm Formulated as nutritional aids for dogs and cats with adverse reactions to food that cause gastrointestinal problems.

Prescription Diet® Canine z/dtm ULTRA Formulated as an allergen-free nutritional aid for dogs with adverse reactions to food that cause gastrointestinal problems.

FEEDING TIPS

  • Follow your veterinarian's directions when feeding any Prescription Diet® therapeutic food.

  • Gradually introduce the new food over a 7-day period by mixing the new food with the old (unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian).

  • If your pet is reluctant to try a new food, hand feed or mix the dry food with warm water (dog food only).