Chronic Vomiting in Dogs

Vomiting is the forceful ejection through the mouth of the contents of the stomach. Occasionally material from the duodenum of the small intestine also accompanies the stomach (gastric) contents. Chronic vomiting is characterized by persistent or recurrent vomiting for more than two weeks.

An occasional bout of vomiting is common in dogs; however, persistent, chronic vomiting is usually indicative of an underlying disease. Chronic vomiting often leads to decreased absorption of nutrients and subsequent weight loss. Diarrhea may also accompany the vomiting.

General Causes

Dietary indiscretion (eating inappropriate food/material)

Dietary intolerance

Infectious agents, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites

Drugs and certain toxins

Obstruction/blockage of the stomach or intestinal tract

Metabolic diseases such as liver and kidney disease, or hypoadrenocorticism 

Abdominal disorders such as pancreatitis, abdominal tumors and adhesions, etc.

Motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that prevent the posterior movement of food

Inflammatory bowel diseases 

Miscellaneous conditions such as gastric/duodenal ulcers, hiatal hernia, constipation, etc.

Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract 

What to Watch For

Intermittent vomiting

Variable appetite

Weight loss

Lethargy

Diarrhea

Increased thirst

Presence of blood in the vomitus or stool

Diagnosis

Obtaining a thorough medical history with details on the timing and material vomited is very important. A thorough physical examination is performed, including careful palpation (examining by hand) of the abdomen. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC)

Urinalysis

Biochemical profile

Chest and abdominal radiographs (X-rays)

Multiple fecal examinations

Treatment

Chronic vomiting is difficult to treat symptomatically, because effective treatment usually depends on the underlying cause. There are several steps your veterinarian might recommend, however, while diagnostic testing is underway. The goals of symptomatic therapy are to initially rest the gastrointestinal tract and then introduce easily digested materials. Symptomatic treatments include: 

Withhold all food for 12 – 24 hours, then gradually introduce a bland diet.

A trial of a hypoallergenic diet may be started, for a minimum of six weeks, if dietary hypersensitivity is suspected.

Antiemetic drugs that symptomatically decrease the frequency of vomiting may be tried.

Antacids (drugs that block acid production by the stomach) may also be administered.

Gastric protectants, which are drugs that coat and sooth the GI tract, may also be considered.

Home Care

Administer only the prescribed medications and diet recommended by your veterinarian. Observe your pet very closely. If clinical signs are not improving, and/or your pet is getting worse, have your pet evaluated at once.