Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

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                      General Information



Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach

and small intestine.  The term eosinophilic refers to a type of

white blood cell involved in the inflammation.  The inflammation

results in vomiting and diarrhea and frequently bleeding from the

small bowel.  As the disease progresses, there is weight loss

and occasionally dehydration.  Why these particular white blood

cells (eosinophils) invade the stomach and small intestine is

unknown.  The cause may be allergic, parasitic or bacterial.

While treatment is usually successful, the treatment period is

generally quite long.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Laboratory tests are used to diagnose the disease and monitor

    the patient's progress.  Hospitalization may be necessary in

    severe cases.



2.  Recurrences of the disease are common.



3.  Medication must be given as directed.  Please call the doctor

    if you cannot give the medication. 



4.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows:





5.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





6.  Water:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow free access to fresh water at all times.



    ____Restrict water intake as follows:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet continues to have diarrhea or vomiting.



    * Your pet's signs return after an apparent recovery.



    * Your pet loses weight or exhibits new signs.