Is your pet having tummy troubles? Digestive difficulties? We can help. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, or loss of appetite can be unsettling and cause discomfort and pain for your pet.
At both our Yishun and Upper Thomson clinics, Paws N’ Claws Vet provides detailed consultation and diagnosis to determine the cause of gastrointestinal (GI) issues — relating to the stomach and intestines — such as infection, foreign object, diseases, and so on.
When To Seek Help For GI Problems
While the occasional stomach upset happens, there are situations when it is recommended to seek veterinary attention.
Here are some signs that could warrant a visit to the vet clinic or animal hospital:
• Vomiting or diarrhoea: If your pet is experiencing persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, especially with blood present, it’s critical to get them checked.
• Blood in stool: Any presence of blood in your pet’s stool requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Loss of appetite: A sudden decrease in appetite, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
• Straining during elimination: Difficulty passing stool or frequent and small stools may signal constipation or other problems.
• Abdominal pain: Signs that the pet is feeling pain, such as whimpering or a hunched posture.
• Dehydration: Vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration in pets, especially smaller animals. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry gums, and sunken eyes.
• Change in behaviour: If your pet becomes lethargic, withdrawn, or exhibits unusual behaviour together with GI problems, it’s best to seek veterinary advice.
• Fever: A fever accompanying stomach or intestinal issues can indicate a more serious infection.
• Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss, especially alongside digestive problems.
Our Approach To Gastrointestinal Care
At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, our GI care plan focuses on identifying the root cause of your pet’s digestive discomfort. This may involve a combination of the following where appropriate:
• Detailed consultation: We’ll discuss your pet’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits.
• Physical examination: Our veterinarian will carefully examine your pet, paying close attention to their abdomen and overall health.
• Diagnostic testing: Depending on the situation, we may recommend tests like blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, or faecal (poop) analysis to pinpoint the cause of the GI issue.
Common GI conditions we address include dietary issues such as food sensitivities or allergies, internal parasites like worms which can irritate the digestive tract, as well as bacterial or viral infections.
Sometimes, a foreign object is causing the digestive upset, as curious pets may ingest things they shouldn’t.
When we have narrowed down the root cause(s) of the GI problem, we will be able to recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient’s specific diagnosis.
Managing Gastrointestinal Issues
Treatment options might include dietary changes if food sensitivities or allergies are contributing to the digestive upset. We can help you adjust your pet’s diet to promote better gut health.
This might involve a food diet trial to switch to a single-protein, hydrolysed-protein, or novel-protein diet; eliminating grains; switching to a hypoallergenic food; or incorporating more fibre-rich options. Our team can also recommend recipes if you prefer to feed homecooked meals to your furkid.
Sometimes, GI issues can lead to pets having reduced appetite or difficulty eating. In such cases, short-term dietary support options — for example, prescription bland diets or appetite stimulants — might be recommended.
For parasites, we offer effective parasite prevention medications and treatment plans to eliminate existing infestations.
If a bacterial infection is identified as the cause of your pet’s GI issues, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the infection. Probiotics could also be provided to help restore the natural balance of gut flora.
As for specific conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, medications could be prescribed to manage inflammation and support gut function. These might also include gastro-protectants to help protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.
Dehydration is a common concern with frequent vomiting or diarrhoea. In severe cases, the veterinarian might recommend fluid therapy administered intravenously to restore hydration levels and electrolyte balance.
Last but not least, if the patient had ingested a foreign object, the vet will recommend the necessary steps for removal. This could involve inducing vomiting or performing endoscopic procedures to remove the object safely.
Please note that this section provides a general overview of treatment options for GI issues, and is not exhaustive. The most appropriate treatment for your pet will depend on his or her specific diagnosis and needs.
Our veterinarian will discuss all possible options with you and recommend the best course of action for your pet’s recovery.
Chat With Us
Our experienced and Fear-Free aligned veterinary teams at our Yishun and Upper Thomson locations are here to help get your pet back on the road to a happy and healthy digestive system. Schedule an appointment today to put your pet’s tummy woes at ease.
At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, we welcome all animals — including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and other exotic species.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team will gladly address any questions you may have.
We believe in empowering pet owners with knowledge and understanding so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s well-being and healthcare. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a seasoned caregiver, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Have a question? WhatsApp our friendly staff at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).
Alternatively, please fill in the form below to send us a query.
