Vomiting & Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons pets require urgent veterinary care. While occasional digestive upset may resolve on its own, persistent or severe symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying medical condition.
At Animal Urgent Care of Rocklin, our experienced veterinary team provides prompt evaluation and treatment for dogs and cats experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. We proudly serve pets throughout Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, and the surrounding communities.
What Causes Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets?
Vomiting and diarrhea can have many different causes, generally divided into two categories:
Primary Gastrointestinal Causes
These conditions directly affect the digestive system and may include:
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which may result from eating something unusual,
dietary changes, stress, viral infections, or intestinal parasites.
- Foreign body ingestion: Swallowing objects such as toys, bones, or other materials that may cause irritation or
intestinal obstruction.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
- Toxin ingestion: Exposure to certain foods, medications, plants, or chemicals that can cause gastrointestinal
illness.
Extra-Gastrointestinal Causes (Outside the GI Tract)
Vomiting and diarrhea can also result from diseases affecting other organs or body systems, including kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), and other metabolic or systemic illnesses.
When Should You Seek Veterinary Care?
We recommend having your pet evaluated if they experience:
- Repeated vomiting or persistent diarrhea
- Blood in the vomit or stool
- Loss of appetite or inability to keep food or water down
- Lethargy, weakness, or abdominal discomfort
- Signs of dehydration
Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with underlying medical conditions may be especially vulnerable to dehydration and complications.
Pets experiencing collapse, severe weakness, a swollen or painful abdomen, or repeated unproductive attempts to vomit should receive immediate veterinary attention.
How We Diagnose and Treat Gastrointestinal Problems
Our veterinarians begin with a thorough physical examination and review of your pet's symptoms and medical history.
Depending on the findings, we may recommend diagnostic testing such as bloodwork, digital X-rays, urinalysis, fecal testing, parvovirus testing, or ultrasound to help identify the underlying cause.
Treatment is tailored to your pet's individual needs and may include anti-nausea medications, fluid therapy, gastrointestinal medications, dietary recommendations, supportive care, or surgical intervention when necessary.
If a more serious condition is identified, our team will discuss the appropriate treatment options, including hospitalization or referral for advanced care when indicated.
Veterinary Urgent Care in Rocklin, CA
If your dog or cat is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, Animal Urgent Care of Rocklin is here to help.
We are located at 2303 Sunset Blvd., Suite 200, Rocklin, CA 95765
Call us at (916) 857-8410 for more information about having your pet evaluated.
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