What types of tests are performed to find the cause of a dogs diarrhoea?
Some of the causes of diarrhoea include stomach or intestinal viruses, intestinal parasites, and dietary indiscretions (such as a change in diet, eating rubbish or other offensive/irritating materials). After a consultation and physical examination of your dog it may be necessary to perform a variety of tests in order to make a diagnosis. These tests may include blood tests, microscopic faecal evaluation, viral tests, abdominal evaluation (radiographs, ultrasound and/or endoscopy) and intestinal biopsies. Once the diagnosis is known specific treatments can be prescribed which may include medications, prescription diets or surgery. If your pet is not improving a change in medication or further tests may be necessary. It is important to keep your veterinarian updated about your pet’s progress to optimise his/her recovery.
