Diarrhea

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                      General Information



Diarrhea is the frequent passage of very fluid stools.  It is not

a disease itself, but rather the most common sign of small and

large intestinal problems.  There are many causes of diarrhea,

and various diagnostic tests are used to find the underlying

cause.  With severe diarrhea, hospitalization is usually

necessary.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  The usual aim in treating diarrhea is complete recovery.  A

    few conditions, however, require lifetime therapy, and

    control rather than cure is the ultimate goal.  Your doctor

    will advise you if complete recovery is not expected.



2.  Diet:  Diet is the most important factor in determining the

    character and frequency of bowel movements.  Dietary control

    is extremely important in treating diarrhea.  Follow the

    instructions checked.



    ____Withhold all solid food for ____ hours. 



    ____After the fasting period, resume the regular diet. 



    ____After the fasting period, feed as follows: 





    ____The special diet is recommended for the treatment period

    only.  Return to the normal diet ______ days after the stools

    have returned to normal.



    ____The special diet is intended for lifetime use.  Please

    call the doctor if your pet refuses the prescribed diet. 



3.  Water:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Do not restrict water intake.  Allow unlimited access to

    clean, fresh water. 



    ____Withhold drinking water for ____ hours. 



    ____After the withholding period, give ____ cups of water

    every ____ hours.  Allow unlimited access to water after ____

    hours/days. 



    ____After the withholding period, re-introduce water very

    slowly until you can allow unlimited access without your pet

    filling up on water. 



4.  Medication:  All medication must be given as directed.

    Please call the doctor if you cannot give the medicine as

    directed. 



5.  Observation:  Exercise your pet on a leash at least twice

    daily to observe bowel movements.  The stool should return to

    normal within ____ days.  Call the doctor if your pet is

    not progressing normally. 



6.  Activity:  Exercise can affect the frequency and consistency

    of bowel movements.  Restrict your pet's activity to on-leash

    walking until the stools have returned to normal. 



7.  Stool specimens:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Bring a stool sample to the office in ____ days.



    ____Follow-up stool examinations are not necessary.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet refuses to eat the recommended diet.



    * Your pet passes blood with the bowel movement.



    * Your pet's condition worsens.



    * Your pet vomits.



    * Your pet becomes lethargic or depressed.